Oh well, I guess it was inevitable that at some point, a shift-it-yourself automotive arrangement would be a thing of the past. It’s not exactly a complete thing of the past but we’re gettin’ there. So, with that belief, will there be a surge in demand and value for cars like this 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL equipped with a four-speed manual transmission? I suppose it’s a possibility, so while we’re mulling over that thought, let’s take a detailed look at this Teutonic two-seater that calls Downington, Pennsylvania home. It’s available, here on eBay for a no-reserve bid of $4,188 with five bids tendered so far.
Based on Mercedes’ R107 platform, the 280 SL and its other SL variants were a big sales hit with somewhere near 300K units assembled between ’71 and ’89. These automobiles were a great blend of styling, engineering, and material quality. Our subject car, despite its age and 123K mileage recording, still presents beautifully with its midnight blue finish. I consider the lines of this generation of the SL to be near perfect if not an automotive work of art, and to add to the attraction of this particular car, both the soft and removable hardtop are included.
Not exactly a powerhouse with its 182 HP, 2.8 liter, in-line, six-cylinder engine, this Benz is more of a refined tourer and likely provides nice driving manners thanks to the four-speed manual gearbox. The seller adds, “Runs and drives strong, shifts smooth, clutch feels great. Needs some further fuel/air adjustments as it occasionally backfires.” Alright, well I’ve been known to backfire occasionally too…
The surprise of surprises is inside where we’re met with blue plaid seating upholstery. What? In a Mercedes? I would expect such in a 1980 AMC something or other, but here? Well, yes, it’s referred to as “Gingham Plaid” and while seemingly not in keeping with standard Mercedes convention, it does the trick in my estimation. The entire environment is in sound condition and belies this car’s age and mileage. Then again, I would expect that knowing the quality of Mercedes’ soft materials.
Being sold from a private collection, the seller ends the listing by telling us that this originally acquired in Germany 280 SL, “has some age-oriented wear but it’s a very solid car that was always garage-kept.” What’s not to like here? The age and mileage, well certainly the age anyway, shouldn’t be substantial deterrents to new ownership. My thought is that the four-speed manual transmission will serve as a sales enhancement, would you concur?
Mi wifey y yo have an ’83 380SL. I addressed its Achille’s Heel single row timing chain and converted it to a double row. Bomb-proof and this whip of ours still continues to embarrass a lot of folks out there who think they got something.
Nice grey market R107. We never got the M110 engine with K-jetronic on our shores as well as the 4-speed transmission. Love the color and interior and I bet that car is quicker than our 450SL of the period with the 3-speed auto.
I LOVE the upholstery! So nice to see a Mercedes with something other than leather (or pleather).
Very cool. I have an ‘83 euro 280 with the 5 speed manual. Lots of fun. Even with this motor you can throw it around in the corners.
Swap in an LS. An SL with an LS.
The topper to me is seeing a MB without extended and gross rubber bumpers. Having lived in Germany, they weren’t needed as drivers tended to not ram into other cars. A big + on the plaid!
This is just a thought, a friend of mine bought a M.B. around that age. It was tucked in a corner of the guys garage it looked beautiful When he got it back to his shop he found out that the frame was all but gone. A stick M.B. that would be a lot of fun. Any auto if it runs ok and looks that good is worth 5 grand.
Very cool, at $7,600 now.