1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1971, Mercedes-Benz introduced the “R107,” which was the third iteration of their esteemed SL series. The R107 underwent a process of refinement and enhancement over its impressive 18 year run, which reflected Mercedes-Benz's engineering ethos at the time. The R107 was also a strategic move as it was tasked with succeeding the revered W113 "Pagoda." From its inception, the R107 was crafted to be a luxurious long-distance cruiser that embodied the essence of a quiet grand touring car with the top up or an exhilarating roadster with the top down. Initially offered exclusively with V8 engines, the range expanded to include the addition of the 280 SL featuring a straight-six engine in response to the fuel crisis of the early 1970s. The timeless design of the R107 has made it an iconic style of its era and a classic that is widely cherished today, complete with the renowned virtues of Mercedes-Benz engineering excellence. 

Highlights 

• “Rest of World” (RoW) model reportedly imported to the United States in 1979 

• Powered by a 2.8-liter “M110” inline-six engine rated at 185 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque 

• Finished in Signal Red (568) over a Black leather interior 

• Accompanied by a color-keyed Signal Red factory hardtop 

• Retaining many original features, including its sleek bumpers, headlights, metric instrumentation, and stainless-steel wiper blades  

• SiriusXM ready Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio 

• Astral Silver finished 14 inch “Bundt” style wheels 

• The current owner is said to have replaced the fuel return line and a steering coupler 

• Displaying just under 129,000 kilometers or the equivalent of just under 80,000 miles at the time of listing, are believed to be original 

Features 

• 420 – Floor shifted automatic transmission 

• 466 – Central locking system  

• 532 – Automatic antenna 

• 583 – Electric window lifters 

• 590 – Heat insulating glass 

• Fog lights 

• Power disc brakes 

• Door-mounted map pockets 

• Power steering 

• Zebrano wood trim 

• Heater and defroster 

• Tachometer  

• Locking glove box 

• Dual sun visors with a passenger-side vanity mirror 

Known Imperfections 

• Cracking seat upholstery 

• Minor rust, as pictured 

• Minor paint imperfections and stone chips 

• Two tears in the soft top, as pictured on the driver's side and passenger side as pictured which are about 3-4 inches long 

• Hole in the right-side trim in the area behind the seat backs 

Included 

• Hard top stand 

• Two convertible top wrenches 

• Tool roll 

• Collapsible warning triangle in its protective case 

• Full sized spare 

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL relayed that they purchased the car from the second owner in March 2023. It was said that the previous owner purchased the car from his uncle, the original owner, who bought the car new in 1979.