Highlights
- Excellent paintwork and overall condition
- Only 53,495 miles from new
- Impressive history file and service record
- Hardtop included with the sale
The Appeal
The 280 SL, originally launched in 1971, was the original 2746 cc straight six engine version of what would soon become Mercedes’ beloved SL series luxury sports cars.
Mercedes specified these vehicles with three top options, which the owner could choose from depending on the weather and season. There was a hard top, soft top, and no top; leaving the owner with an option to put up the soft top in the case that their sunny day turns to rain.
Mercedes specified these vehicles with three top options, which the owner could choose from depending on the weather and season. There was a hard top, soft top, and no top; leaving the owner with an option to put up the soft top in the case that their sunny day turns to rain.
This example from 1983 is in excellent condition, and is just 53,495 miles from new.
Presented in the ultra-stylish white with black interior, it just exudes class. With the smallest engine size available, it is one of the most economical engines of Mercedes’ SL-series offerings; this one is something you can actually drive every day.
Presented in the ultra-stylish white with black interior, it just exudes class. With the smallest engine size available, it is one of the most economical engines of Mercedes’ SL-series offerings; this one is something you can actually drive every day.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5c
- 4 owners including current
- Original owner’s manual comes with sale
- Original maintenance booklet full of stamps from Merc specialists
- Lengthy MOT history present, current MOT valid until July 27, 2023, with no advisories
- Becomes MOT exempt March 2023
- Invoices for parts and labour present—no expenses spared on upkeep
- Comes with two keys
The Interior
- Interior in overall excellent condition with only minor signs of wear
- Rear seat present and in near perfect condition
- Front seats in excellent condition, with very minor signs of use
- Carpets in like-new condition
- Steering wheel in top condition, no apparent wear
- Dashboard in near perfect condition, with no cracks apparent
- Wood veneer in excellent condition
- Owner states all electronics in working condition
- Buttons and switches all in top condition
- Small repaired hole in interior trim above soft top stowage
- leather detaching from both sides of rear seat upper trim, easy fix (see photos)
- Headlining on both hardtop and soft top in excellent condition
- An aftermarket fire extinguisher has been attached in front of the passenger’s seat
- Boot is very tidy, spare tire and non-original emergency kit present
The Exterior
- Exterior in terrific condition overall
- Bright white paintwork absolutely shines, exudes class with the brightwork
- Some small chips in paint present, but hardly noticeable, see photos
- Trim, rubbers, and seals all in excellent condition, no reports of any leaking
- Glass in excellent condition with some scratches present but not detracting from the overall appearance
- Light lenses in near perfect condition, with no signs of fading or cloudiness present
- The wheels are in overall good visual condition, with some curb rash present, and one dent seen as pictured
- Hard top in overall good condition, with some normal signs of use, and one area of paint bubble from corrosion present (see photos, very small)
- Tires still show plenty of tread
- Underside in excellent condition for the age, with only minor surface corrosion seen
- One piece of body trim pictured to be missing on driver’s rear quarter, will be replaced before sale
The Mechanics
- Owner states the vehicle drives, handles, and stops exactly as it should, and better than expected for the age of the car
- Engine bay in clean and tidy appearance, with some signs of corrosion present as pictured
- All labels and stickers present and most in excellent condition
- The owner states the bulkhead has been inspected and no rust present
- Owner states there is no known work to be addressed, everything ready to be driven and enjoyed
- 2746 cc I-6 engine said to make 182hp with 176 ft.lb of torque, excellently balanced power delivery to the smooth-shifting 4-speed automatic transmission
Summary
Here’s one that’s in excellent original condition, with flawless service history, and it’s all good to go and ready to be driven!
The current and previous owners have taken really great care of it over the years; you can tell there’s been a real respect and genuine love for the vehicle throughout their ownerships.
If you’re in the market for an SL, this one is calling for you.
The current and previous owners have taken really great care of it over the years; you can tell there’s been a real respect and genuine love for the vehicle throughout their ownerships.
If you’re in the market for an SL, this one is calling for you.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.