Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster

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The Steyr assembled G-Wagen has been marketed for longer than any other Mercedes-Benz product, however in second place comes the evergreen W107 Series SL. 

Launched in 1971 and following on from the beautiful 'Pagoda' top SL, it was to remain in production for a full 18 years before the more angular and wedge-shaped W129 series came along. Vastly expensive when new, it attracted a well-heeled client base, particularly in America, and no episode of Dallas was complete without a sultry blonde scrunching up the gravel drive in her SL to a Texas oil baron's mansion. Initially launched with a 3.5 litre V8, it wasn’t long before more engine options were added.

The 280SL arrived in 1974, using a 182bhp 2.8-litre fuel injected engine which lasted until 1985 when it was increased in capacity to 3-litres in the 300SL. It may have been the baby of the SL range, but the 280 was still a supremely capable motorcar with an excellent blend of performance and economy from its smooth straight-six. Top speed was 125mph with the 0-60 dash being covered in a respectable 9.6 seconds and the build quality was exemplary.

First registered in February 1981, this particular 280SL looks stunning in Gold and was professionally resprayed about four years ago when a tin of paint fell on it while it was parked in the garage and went all over the car, both inside and out. This led to the vehicle being declared an insurance write-off in late 2009 (Category D – damaged, repairable).

While the car was being repainted any corrosion was also attended to and the interior was fully retrimmed in cream leather, including the door cards and hood recess, while new carpets and a new brown mohair hood were also fitted. As you can see in the photos, the results are now very pleasing indeed. A gold hardtop is also included, again in very good condition.

The car has covered some 109,000 miles and is said to drive beautifully, the current owner of four years having twice taken it to the Le Mans Classic and back with no problems whatsoever. Gold really suits these cars and this sounds to be an exceptionally smart example that is sure to attract loads of admiring glances.