In Brief:

• Well kept and honest example of an R107 generation 280 SL
• Finished in Blue with a matching hardtop over a Blue leather interior
• Owned by The Vendor for the last 22 years
• Good amount of history on file
• Priced to sell

Auctioneer’s Notes:

A well-kept and highly usable example of the ever-popular Mercedes-Benz R107 280 SL, offered from 22 years of current ownership. This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is accompanied by its desirable detachable factory hardtop, along with a purpose-made all-weather cover. A new hood was fitted in 2004, and the car presents as a well-loved long-term ownership example with an impressive and carefully organised history file. The accompanying documentation suggests that the car has covered fewer than 8,000 miles during the Vendor’s 22-year custodianship, making this a particularly appealing example for those seeking an R107 with both strong provenance and evidence of careful preservation.

Maintenance & Condition:

The history file details a considerable level of maintenance and upkeep, with invoices dating back to 1994 and totalling in excess of £14,600, including MOT costs. The recorded works demonstrate ongoing dedication to the care of the vehicle over many years. Notable works include attention to the braking and suspension systems, replacement shock absorbers and calipers, welding to the front inner arches and battery tray, fitment of a muffler, undersealing and cavity waxing, and the installation of power steering. The car is currently MOT’d until July 2027 with no advisories, offering reassurance to the next custodian. The presence of the hardtop, soft top and all-weather cover further adds to the car’s usability and practicality as a classic grand tourer.

History:

The Vendor has owned this 280 SL for the last 22 years, having purchased the car in 2004. The original sale document to the current Vendor is present, showing a purchase price of £10,400 and a recorded mileage of 121,000 miles at that time. With the current mileage understood to be less than 129,000, this suggests the car has covered fewer than 8,000 miles since entering the Vendor’s ownership. 

The well-organised history file includes the owner’s manual and maintenance book, which records 23 service stamps from 754 miles in 1983 through to 120,698 miles in 2004. The file also contains all but five MOT certificates from 1990 through to 2026, along with tax discs, printed photographs, participant tags from Brooklands Festival at Mercedes-Benz World, SL-related publications including Colours of an Icon from The SL Shop, and assorted magazine clippings.

Altogether, the documentation paints the picture of a cherished R107 that has been retained, maintained and enjoyed over a significant period of time.

The Model:

Introduced in 1971, the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL became one of the marque’s longest-running and most recognisable models, remaining in production until 1989. Renowned for its superb build quality, refined road manners and timeless Paul Bracq-influenced styling, the R107 has become one of the defining Mercedes-Benz classics of the late 20th century.

The 280 SL variant is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s smooth 2,746cc M110 twin-cam straight-six engine, producing around 185 bhp. Lighter over the nose than the V8 models, the six-cylinder 280 SL offers balanced handling, refined performance and a more rev-happy character, making it an especially appealing choice for those who enjoy grand touring with a little more engagement.

With its combination of open-top motoring, removable hardtop, elegant styling and genuine everyday usability, the R107 remains a benchmark classic roadster and continues to attract strong interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Sale Insight:

This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL offers the sought-after combination of long-term ownership, extensive documentation, desirable factory hardtop and low recent mileage. The large and carefully maintained history file gives a clear impression of a car that has been well cared for over many years, while the current MOT with no advisories further enhances its appeal. 

A smart opportunity to acquire a well-proven R107 280 SL with excellent supporting paperwork, strong ownership history and the sort of usability that has made these cars enduringly popular.

Estimate:
£3,500 - £4,500