1982 Mercedes-Benz SL - SL R107

The SL 107 series, which was launched in 1971 as the successor to the so-called ‘Pagoda’ (Mercedes-Benz W113), established a new design language at Mercedes-Benz with its wide-beam H4 headlamps and large, ribbed rear lights. A slight wedge shape hinted at improved aerodynamics. The lead designer for this series was once again Friedrich Geiger, who had previously been responsible for the timeless creations of the 300 SL (including the Roadster) and the Mercedes-Benz 500 K. The appearance of the R107 set the style for Mercedes-Benz design in the 1970s. A successor model was already being developed in the early 1980s, but this was put on hold in favour of the mid-range W124 and W201 series. As a result, the R107 series remained in production for a total of 18 years. The Mercedes 280 SL offered here was originally delivered to Switzerland and was first registered in the canton of Vaud on 1 August 1982. Fitted with a 2.8-litre straight-six engine producing 185 hp, an automatic gearbox, power steering, ABS, electric windows, and both a hardtop and soft top, the original price was just under CHF 55‘000 – a considerable sum at the time, considering that for the same money one could also have bought a Porsche 911 SC Targa with over 200 hp. The history of the convertible is unknown, but it was clearly driven often and with great enjoyment. Originally delivered in blue-green metallic, with beige fabric upholstery and a dark brown soft top, the SL was fitted with a new black soft top and black leather upholstery a few years ago, presumably sourced from a donor vehicle. In 2025, the Mercedes was acquired from its last owner, who drove the car very little thereafter. With just under 295‘500 km on the clock, the 280 SL is in fair overall condition and will be handed over with its most recent veteran MOT dated in August 2020.