The R107-chassis Mercedes-Benz is an easy car to find if you’re simply looking for a summer cruiser or a moderately interesting hobby vehicle. However, these vehicles were effectively the poster child for the thriving gray market industry back in the ’80s, and as such, you can find some interesting specimens that were forbidden fruit back in the day. This car is a 1984 280SL listed here on eBay in full Euro-spec guise with all the desirable parts still fitted, including the robust M110 inline-six and a manual transmission.
The seller is asking $9,850 or best offer for this running, driving SL that was supposedly parked for several years after the owner passed away. That’s a very fair price for one of these, but it also reminds me how the R107’s star has fallen a bit. I seem to recall that a genuine European-market car like this would have easily been worth $20,000 or so, even with the rough cosmetics. But as the market has continued to move on from older classics, I don’t think we’re likely to see a rapid rise in value for these roadsters, which makes it possible to buy a car like this one for under $10,000.
I can recall a good friend in the car hobby business sending me photos of his identical SL parked on his farm, deep in the weeds, abandoned many years ago. At first, I was shocked: how could he do that? But then I realized it was simply a difficult car to justify restoring. Mercedes parts, whether for a U.S. or gray-market model, are not cheap. Restoring a car worth $10,000-$15,000 on a good day is difficult to justify. Fortunately, this 280SL is not beyond the point of being saved on a modest budget, as the biggest expense it appears to require is a fresh Blauschwarz paint job. The seats would also benefit from new leather.
The combination of the 5-speed and the M110 – along with those pretty glass European headlights and slim chrome bumpers – is worth the price of admission here. A smooth twin-cam, it produces 182 b.h.p. and 177 lb.-ft. of torque, and is known to be incredibly overbuilt. I’m not surprised at all that this one still runs with minimal fussing even after sitting idle for years. With the option to submit a best offer, I would make a run at this car for around $8,500 and feel good about budgeting for a respray down the road.
Before I made a bid I would have to ask about the HVAC controls condition. Gassing up the AC is no big deal. If it needed much more than that I don’t want to have to take the dashboard apart. One time was plenty for me. 🥵🥵🥵
What HVAC? No A/C fitted on this load.
Better the Euro market HVAC controls than the fussy Chrysler-sourced pushbutton climate control in the US market cars.
I’m not too far from Jacksonville so shipping isn’t an issue. The mention of “soft floors” does give me pause.
I’m completely unqualified to deal with rust and unwilling to write the large checks to people who are.
The German equivalent of what Uncle Buck would drive? Looks like a great car to just drive.
The R107 always represented a disappointment to me. Not at all inspiring to drive. I will admit I’ve never driven a manual version but 380s, 500s and 560s, to me, were lumbering beasts. Especially with that huge oddly placed steering wheel.
I have no interest in the American version of this MB. The 5 speed is what makes it for me. I would like to drive one first with the stick and European specs. That would be a true driver, not the American ‘lazy’ luxury version!
(At least, for me anyway!!)
I’ll give the seller credit for his salesmanship. Practically intimates that this car is an investment. Money is the bank. Almost convinced me to take the plunge lol. Not. My little voice says danger Will Robinson. I’m no MB expert but I have owned several. My wife and I currently daily drive two older diesels. I like MB cars in general. But maintenance and repairs are not cheap. And when you are lucky enough to know a competent and honest MB mechanic; by all means count your good fortune. For this one, I like the Euro Spec and five speed. However, knowing what I know I’ll pass. And this is from someone who has always liked these. In reality the new owner is practically guaranteed to be spending considerable coinage on this puppy. There’s a reason why the current owner isn’t painting and replacing the upholstery for starters. GLWTS and GLTTNO.
Good post midlife crisis car for a senior citizen 60+ …
I could sure put a nice paint job on this car if I could buy it.
Had a ‘77 280SLC. That six is no slouch.
“This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Jul 17 at 3:04 PM because the item is no longer available.”