Lot details Registration No: A512EGW Chassis No: 1070422A004879 Mot Expiry: June 2007
Nicknamed the 'Panzerwagen' by Mercedes-Benz's own development engineers, the R107 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-five years after its introduction the R107 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 R107s were fitted with automatic transmission. Launched in September 1974, the Eurocentric 280SL was less powerful but more fuel efficient than its V8 brethren. Though with some 185bhp and 177lbft of torque on tap from its fuel-injected 2746cc DOHC straight-six engine, the model could still boast authoritative 120mph performance.
Finished in Petrol Blue with grey MB-Tex / cloth upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "fair" (interior trim, bodywork, paintwork) or "good" (2.8 litre engine, four-speed automatic transmission, electrical equipment, chassis, wheels / tyres) condition. Entering the current ownership via our December 2002 Buxton auction, the past few years have reportedly seen 'A512 EGW' treated to replacement valves / guides so that it would be "happier running on unleaded fuel" and new seals "to stop leaks!". Further benefiting from "a new battery, new-ish tyres / soft-top and a 6-CD changer", the car is said to have proven "utterly reliable" during regular usage (save for its non-functional cruise control). Riding on alloy wheels, this tempting 280SL is offered for sale with "massive service history" and MOT certificate valid until June 27th 2007 - open-topped Mercedes motoring rarely comes any cheaper!
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