1980 Mercedes 280SL

Rare Euro-Spec SL 103K miles 2 owners Getrag 4 speed manual

Up for bids is this very sharp Mercedes 280SL. This car was imported through the European Delivery Program in 1980 and has had two Seattle based owners from new the 2nd since 1985. Some legwork was involved to bring the car into the US back then one obvious reason for that extra work is the 4 speed transmission that this car is optioned with. When Mercedes transitioned from the W113 model to the new R107 they left US customers without the option of a manual gearbox. The manual transmission adds a simplicity to this model that hearkens back to the W113 cars while still featuring the modern safety features that defined the R107 series - kind of the best of both worlds. Click to enlarge any of the images below OR click here to view a gallery of all of the enlarged images.

Finished in the classic combination of triple black the car has had one very high quality repaint. I not seen any tape lines or areas of overspray it appears that all of the trim and weatherstripping was removed. The prep and application were first rate I'm the picky type about paint and can say that this car does not disappoint. The paint finish is pretty spectacular; glass smooth and about a mile deep. All body panels are super straight and the reflections off of them are almost optical quality. You'll find a few small rock chips here and there and one or two light scratches overall the paint finish stands tall in spite of these real world flaws. Tire are classic Pirelli P6's paired with 15" Centra's. The wheels are in perfect condition and that's a word I don't use freely. Zero curb rash zero pitting or flaking they look like new.

Excellent lights and lenses front and back. Bumpers show good chrome the rubber insert is in great shape as well.

Straight and clean from every angle. The area around where the hard top mounts is in good condition with no dents.

The windshield is in excellent shape with no damage. Clean trunk with original spare jacking equipment and safety triangle.

The soft top has good fit and weatherstripping but unfortunately has 2 cuts on either side. They have been sealed so the top is still usable but cosmetically it's not up to the same standards as the rest of the car. The storage compartment is dry and rust free with good perimeter weatherstripping.

The hardtop shows some edge fogging on the rear glass otherwise it's in mint condition. Headliner weatherstripping and side glass all look like new.

The interior of this SL is in beautiful condition. This is a leather optioned car the seats are still very nice and show only minimal wear. The car has always been garaged it shows when you look at this interior. Included with the car is a high quality fitted car cover that had been used to keep the car further protected while indoors.

Door panels are in terrific condition most of these developed heat warping at the tops especially black ones. Another testament to its garaged life.

All switchgear is in good shape; heater fan and ventilation controls work properly. The wipers horn signals etc all work as they should. Both of the integrated speaker grills are in great shape. The radio has good sound and the clock keeps perfect time. Dashpad is perfect with no splits or cracks.

All of the wood trim is nicely preserved. Rear cargo area looks as nice as the rest of the interior. The car has not been smoked in ashtray and lighter are unused.

The car drives excellent. Starts on the flick of the key and runs strongly you'll like the way this car drives. Ride quality is nice steering and suspension are tight the car handles very well. It shifts flawlessly brakes well and performs reliably with no drama. The DOHC Six has an altogether different feel from the V8's - somewhat more lively and sporting. I recently drove the car the 3 hours from Seattle to Portland and it was outstanding. The stretch of I-5 after Tacoma and Olympia opens up and the traffic flows between 80 and 90mph. This SL kept pace easily solid and square on the road without a squeak or rattle.

No leaks this car will not drip on your garage floor. The undercarriage shows no sign of rust or accident history the jack ports and rocker panels are perfect from front to back. Altogether a well preserved R107 with a transmission that you're unlikely to find in the US.

Click here for a gallery of all of the enlarged images.

About the reserve price: This car is selling at No Reserve the high bidder is the winning bidder. This auction ends Wednesday June 3rd at 10AM Pacific Time 12 Noon Central 1 PM Eastern 5 PM GMT .

About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion. I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 24 hours. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup.

About this auction:This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid. Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid. Basically please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car. Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied. Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County Oregon under applicable state laws. By bidding you agree to these terms.

About me:Please check my feedback I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon. I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week. Clean and clear Washington title from 1985 the car can be registered in all 50 states.

You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5. Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com

Post Auction details:The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder although I'll be happy to help with logistics. I have a wholesale account with a shipping dispatch service and can help you find a reasonable rate. Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo CFR / Rinkens California Shipping

Thanks for looking!