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| Lot number | 61 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £7,900 |
| Description | Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster |
| Registration | HIG 5433 |
| Year | 1985 |
| Colour | Midnight Blue |
| Engine size | 2,746 cc |
| Chassis No. | 1070422A024332 |
| Engine No. | 11099022008104 |
Although the Steyr-assembled G-Wagen holds the honour of being the longest running Mercedes model (35 years and still going strong), 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 wedge-shaped 129 Series finally replaced it in 1989. Beautifully built and a pleasure to drive, it just oozed class and no episode of Dallas was complete without a 107 scrunching up the drive to a Texan 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 and was the baby of the range with a creamy smooth 2.8-litre straight-six engine that produced a quoted 182bhp and 176lb/ft of torque. More economical than the larger V8 models, it was still respectably quick with a top speed of 129mph and it remained in production until 1985.
First registered in May 1985, this particular 280SL looks stunning in Midnight Blue with a matching hard top and a blue/grey check-cloth interior. According to the V5C the car has had just two owners from new, the current owner acquiring it in mid-2008 with some 123,000 miles on the clock. He promptly had it comprehensively refurbished to remedy any defects, including a full respray and a rebuilt engine. In 2011 a new black Mohair soft top was fitted and the power steering rebuilt, along with refurbished alloys and a new set of tyres.
Now with some 128,000 miles on the clock, the car is said to drive superbly with an MOT until July 2014. Supplied with a large history file and two sets of keys, it will make a fabulous open-top tourer in the coming summer months.
These handsome 107 Series SLs have already cemented their classic status and some say that it won’t be long before they begin to enjoy the upsurge in value experienced recently by their ‘Pagoda’ predecessors. Another one to buy now while you can still afford to?
