Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An incredible Mercedes Benz 280SL R107 with just 12,218 miles.
EQUIPMENT
Light-alloy bonnet, easy-closing doors, detachable colour coded hard top, retractable soft top, impact zones, anti-burst locks, strengthened windscreen pillars, parking lamps, three speed wipers, individually adjusted temperature zones, headlamp adjustment, oil pressure gauge, fire extinguisher, power assisted steering. Factory options; 4-speed automatic transmission with tempomat, Becker Mexico Cassette radio, central locking, air conditioner, Australia version.
EXTERIOR
This classic Mercedes-Benz Sport Leicht (SL) is finished in factory original Silver Green Metallic, (Code 861H – Silbergrun). The instantly recognisable lines of the R107 series, the R prefix to denote a Roadster as opposed to W for Wagon, are elegant yet subtle and this example is surely one of the best there is with only a few tiny hairline marks on the top of the offside front wing to an otherwise exceptional paint finish. The Black hood, (Code 740), is as new, as are the side and rear hood windows. The original colour coded hard top remains with the car and is in remarkable condition. All the chrome has a mirror finish and trim sections and rubbers are virtually as new. Features of a 1970’s pre-facelift example include the single, smaller and more ornate door mirror. A car that for Mercedes-Benz stood for exemplary build quality and engineering excellence.
INTERIOR
The pristine factory trimmed interior is upholstered in delightful 1970’s Bamboo colour with matching colour scheme carpets. The seats are beautifully preserved with no discolouration or cracking and only slight stretching and the deep pile carpeting throughout looks almost new. The fascia is perfect and all the gauges, controls and electrics operate exactly as they should, including the factory optional Becker Mexico Cassette radio, the most expensive unit available when new! Other features of an early R107 SL are manual window winders and the seat belt holding clips, still intact. Service stickers are still visible in the door shuts. The boot area has the factory supplied toolkit as well as the original rubber matting and bare metal rear bulkhead as fitted to earlier example’s. The inner rear light clusters have retained the manufacture stamps. Hugely advanced ergonomically, the benchmark for all makers of the era.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
This 1976 example, one of only 1,099 280SL’s built that year, produces 185bhp at 6000rpm and 175lb/ft of torque to achieve a top speed of 124mph and 0-60mph in 10.01 seconds. The engine bay is spotless and retains all manufacturer stickers, plates, panel stampings, and even the original battery warning tag! The factory wax can be seen on components revealing the originality of this car impossible to replicate. The four-speed automatic transmission is flawless in operation with positive kickdown.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original wheels remain fitted with the colour coded and chromium plated 12 hole trims which are in excellent order, with two pieces showing only very light scratches. Period matching Michelin MXV 185 HR14 tyres are fitted and remain virtually unused with nobbles fully intact. The unused spare wheel is shod in the factory Pirelli tyre. Dual-circuit servo assisted brakes with 278mm front discs and 279mm rear drums offer steady stopping capabilities.
HISTORY FILE
A car with an interesting life! This example was ordered in late 1975 for an Australian resident through the company name, Zawawi Trading. Registered in 1976, the first owner opted for factory collection in Stuttgart, Germany, and the car remained in Switzerland/England for the first 12 months in order to avoid import duty in Australia. Shortly after the cars arrival in Australia, the owner sadly passed away and unable to part with the car for sentimental reasons, the owners widow kept the car in a dry garage for many years. Resisting several offers to buy the car over the years, wanting to preserve the memory of her late husband, the car was used only very sparingly explaining the very low 12,218 miles covered. Eventually, the original owner’s Step Son brought the car into the UK in July 2016 whereby a well-known Aston Martin Dealer purchased the car. A signed letter from the family of the original owner is kept in the history file where all this information is thankfully recorded for the next owner to enjoy.
Upon arrival in the UK with registration and imports duties paid, a full inspection, recommission and main service was carried out with an invoice in the history dated November 2017 for £1,793.16 to document the work carried out. KGF Classic Cars sold the car to loyal customer, Rev. Paul O’Donoghue in early 2018 where it formed part of his eclectic collection, and now upon his decision to part with the car, KGF Classic Cars are delighted to offer this example for sale once more. Appealing to any serious collector wanting one of the very best-preserved examples in existence, this 280SL will delight on every conceivable level.
MOT November 2020, HPI clear.
