1984 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Lot details
Registration No: A278DUX
Chassis No: 107042A004312
Mot Expiry: May 2006

Nicknamed the 'Panzerwagen' by Mercedes-Benz's own development engineers, the W107 series was the result of an extremely thorough design process. In an attempt to avoid falling foul of threatened American safety legislation, Stuttgart produced an open car whose structural rigidity surpassed that of some contemporary saloons! Indeed, even now some thirty-four years after its introduction the W107 retains a reassuring air of solidity. Allied to this was sure-footed handling courtesy of all round independent coil sprung suspension, power assisted steering and disc brakes. Always more of a grand tourer than an out and out sports car, the vast majority of W107s were fitted with automatic transmission. This particular example is no exception and combines the 2746cc double overhead camshaft, straight six engine with a four speed slush-box. With 185bhp and 175lbft of torque on tap performance is suitably authoritative. An added bonus is notably better fuel economy when compared to its V8 brethren.
Finished in metallic gold-brown with brown semi-leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in first class overall condition apart from a defective radio (though the cassette player is said to work well). Indeed, he informs us that "apart from one half-inch scratch to the body, the appearance is that of a new car". However, prospective purchasers are reminded to rely on their own judgment in this regard. Believed to have covered just 53,450 miles from new (a figure seemingly supported by accompanying service records / expired MOT certificates), this stylish Mercedes has the advantage of both hard and soft top roofs (the latter apparently never exposed to rain). Offered for sale entirely without reserve, it carries a valid MOT certificate until May 26th 2006 and road tax until 31st August 2005.