Selling a Classic: 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Imagine cruising down the highway in a car that’s a classy blast from the past. Enter the 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, an icon of European automotive design, which made its way to the U.S. back in 1991. Purchased most recently in January 2022 on BaT, this vintage beauty is a rolling piece of luxury. Painted in an elegant Deep Green, it offers a Tobacco and green interior. Under the hood, a 2.8-liter M110 inline-six engine takes the center stage, paired effortlessly with a four-speed manual gearbox.
Classy Features
It’s loaded with features that include a stylish black soft top and matching hardtop, fog lights to cut through that morning fog, 14″ chrome-finished Gullideckel wheels, and a Becker Mexico cassette stereo that harks back to a simpler time. Recent maintenance has ensured it’s in great shape—repairs to the hood and right-side, installation of a catalytic converter, electrical repairs, and a host of replacements like the power-steering pump, radiator, and alternator. The list goes on, but rest assured, the car is optimized for a smooth ride.
The Green Machine
The brilliant Deep Green finish (code 825) has had some love too, with refreshed paintwork on multiple sections. This SL keeps its European-market charm with bumpers and chrome trims, while repairs have also been made to door and hardtop seals since its recent ownership. Rust near the trunk lid? Yes, it’s there, but hey, it’s part of its charm, captured in the photos below.
Wheels and Brakes
Rolling gently on chrome-finished 14″ Gullideckel alloys, this vintage vehicle is gripping the road with 195/70 General Altimax RT43 tires, dated from 2021. And when you need to stop on a dime, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes will do the trick. Fresh components under current ownership include the rear rotors, pads, parking-brake shoes, power-steering pump, steering box, front shocks, and upper control-arm ball joints.
Did you know? The 280SL was ahead of its time with features like fuel injection, a cutting-edge innovation in 1978.
Luxurious Interior
Sink into the Tobacco leatherette bucket seats, with a touch of vintage class. In 2022, new green carpeting was installed alongside matching dashboard and door panels. Wood trim and old-school manual windows add to its nostalgically luxurious feel. The Becker Mexico stereo, fitted with an amplifier and Bluetooth for the modern listener, keeps the tunes playing smooth. Misses include non-functional air conditioning, but a few factory components come with the sale. And yes, wear and tear like a split driver’s seat and dashboard cracks remind us of its storied past.
Driver’s Controls
Grasp the four-spoke steering wheel, framing classic VDO instruments: a 240-km/h speedometer, tachometer, and trusty gauge trio managing fuel, temperature, and oil pressure. The meticulous saga of mileage tells us the odometer reads 242k kilometers (about 151k miles), a testament to its enduring legacy.
Comparable: The Smart and Renault Laguna might offer modern efficiency, but they can’t beat the vintage charm of the 280SL.
Engine and Drivetrain
The heartbeat of this machine is the 2.8-liter M110 inline-six engine, featuring Bosch fuel injection, and thoroughly overhauled in 2012. Under current ownership, it got a new catalytic converter and parts like the fuel pump, hoses, radiator, injectors, throttle linkage, alternator, and more exchanged. Ready for action, the oil was changed recently in December 2023.
The Transmission Story
Behind the scenes, the four-speed manual transmission was rebuilt in 2022. Alongside that, numerous components were refreshed, including the clutch assembly and mounts, ensuring that every gear change feels authentic yet smooth.
Fun Fact: The manual gearbox of the 280SL is a sought-after feature. In its era, manuals offered more control, appealing to driving enthusiasts.
Documentation
Peace of mind is also part of the package with a data card, maintenance booklet, and first-aid kit, all bundled together with the car. The seller’s comprehensive records maintain this classic’s credibility and continuity.