1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Euro Four-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1971, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the R107, marking the third generation of its prestigious SL series. Tasked with replacing the beloved W113 “Pagoda,” the R107 succeeded with a bold evolution in design and engineering. Over its remarkable 18-year production run, it underwent continuous refinement, embodying the brand’s commitment to innovation, luxury, and performance.

From the outset, the R107 was conceived as a grand touring machine — serene and composed with the top up, yet thrillingly open-air with the top down. The 280 SL was equipped with an efficient yet powerful straight-six engine, as well as manual and automatic transmissions.

With its timeless styling and robust engineering, the 280 SL roadster has become an enduring icon of its era — celebrated today as a classic that exemplifies the golden age of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship.

This 1979 280 SL is a desirable Euro import, which features a 185-horsepower six cylinder, along with stylish bumpers and sleek headlights. And it is said to have only traveled 113,075 miles since new.

Highlights 

• Rest of World model built in June 1979 in Germany 

• 2.8-liter M110 inline six cylinder rated at 185 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Finished in (624) Yellow with a Black leather interior 

• Black convertible soft top  

• The chassis number (10704210005264) decodes as: 

  • 107 – SL chassis 

  • 042 – 280 SL 

  • 1 – Left-hand drive 

  • 0 – Manual transmission 

  • 005264 – Serial number 

Features 

• Factory options include: 

  • (416) Body-color hardtop 

  • (600) Headlamp washers 

  • (580) Behr air conditioning 

  • (466) Central Locking System 

  • (590) Insulated safety glass with heated rear window 

  • (257) Becker radio (now Blaupunkt) 

• 15-inch wheels wearing 205/65R15 Goodyear tires 

• 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temp, and fuel level gauges with clock 

• Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette stereo 

• The following maintenance items have been completed: 

2015: 

• Steering coupling 

• Fuel accumulator assembly 

• Warmup regulator (rebuilt) 

2016: 

• 150, 140, 145, 150, 150 and 150 dealer readings on compression test 

• Engine mounts 

• Engine rear main seal 

• Steering damper 

• Tie rods 

• Front axle carrier bushings 

• Subframe mounts 

• Clutch and brake fluid reservoirs 

• Windshield/headlamp washer pump (not installed) 

• Rebuilt front and rear brake calipers with new pads 

• Fuel pump and hose 

• Battery tray 

• Shifter boot 

• Steering wheel lock assembly 

2018: 

• New A/C compressor 

2020: 

• Sway bar bushing kit and mounting block 

• Four new factory original Bilstein shock absorbers 

• Four new SL Market Letter progressive coil springs 

2023: 

• Fuel injection overhaul with all new injectors and rebuilt fuel distributor 

• Complete ignition tune up 

2024: 

• Ignition lock  

• Clutch master and slave cylinder 

• Clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing 

• Seats removed and rails cleaned and lubricated 

Known Imperfections 

• There are various nicks and cosmetic defects (see photos) 

• Some rattles 

• The top is good but needs rubber seal work 

• Missing shoulder bolt on the top mechanism which adds to the rattles 

• Need to manually push the offending roof rod when dropping the top 

• Some curb rash on wheels 

• Tear in passenger seat 

• Minor cracks in dash 

• Driver side rear carpet missing 

• Clutch pedal sticks halfway up intermittently 

• Central locking won’t open with driver side key reliably 

• Low-volume fault alarm sound on and draws on battery, no fault found 

• Power antenna doesn’t work 

• Tires are seven years old but have low miles 

Included 

• Two keys, one for door and one for ignition 

• Hard top and hard top stand 

• Paper reciepts for work done 

• Homemade electric winch for easily lifting and storing the hard top 

• Possibly the original German language owner’s manual 

Ownership History

The Minnesota seller of this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL has owned it since August 2016. He states, “This car is a rare Euro version with the four-speed manual transmission and bumpers. It is far superior looking than the U.S. version. It has never seen salt, and the photos show this to be true.”