1977 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

280 SL Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

107 042 10 001651

Clear

Gasoline

Nice 280 SL 4 speed, a rare car in the USA. I do have a clear Ohio title in my name. I don't know how the car came to be here, being a EURO version, previous owners were in Indiana. I got this car this past summer and have had my fun with it, but lack of free time and storage constraints dictate I sell it and a few other cars I have. So many cars, so little time! This car is in sound condition, I have driven it a fair amount, it always starts right up. It would benefit from some further TLC though, which I have not been able to provide. I hope an enthusiast recognizes the rarity of this car and will appreciate it accordingly. Body: very solid panels, no signs of past rust or collision repair. Some door dings but no major dents. The paint would greatly benefit from a light buffing/polishing, just haven't got to it. There are a couple of spots with surface rust, primarily at the base of the antenna where the paint has flaked a little. Some blistering on the bottom edge of the trunk. Not very extensive though. Couple of random chips here and there. Easy fixes for the home enthusiast/ restorer. Or just live with it. Not a show car but still admired where ever I took it. Floor: Floors are a bit soft in places. Underneath you see mostly just the original un disturbed soundproofing but if you poke around it is not all solid. Feels fine underfoot, I have not ripped the original floor mating up to look further. If I should keep the car I think I will and perhaps reinforce if deemed needed, I certainly would not replace the whole panels, though they are available if really motivated for originality. I think they could be easily lived with if you're not demanding perfection. Interior: Overall very nice. Nothing I recall is torn up or wornbare. Seats feel great, just a small bit of wear on the driver's where the seat belt wraps around. Dash, door panels, center console, etc. are all in good shape. Showing some use but again, overall a nice place to be! Nice" Mercedes" floor mats as well as the originals under them. Carpet in the rear stowage area is good, the top boot cover is good. I can't think of anything that really needs replaced. Heater works, not a power house though. Car originally had air but the underhood stuff is MIA. Wipers work. Lights all work. Gauges: This car still has the original Euro gauges except for the speedometer now in MPH. Speedo works but the odometer does not. A complete replacement set is included with the car. Actual milage is unknown, I was told the current gauge was from a high milage wrecked car, but no documentation. Oil pressure reads as being quite good, even when warm. Car does not overheat at all, gauge holds steady at about 90. Fuel gauge works. I don't think the clock is working. As stated, I have an extra complete set of US spec gauges included, see photo of the trunk. Engine: I wish I were more familiar with this particular Bosch set up. This car always starts well. Sounds good, some exhaust rasp, kind of sporting! Pulls strong but currently won't rev high, might be the points (acts that way) or something needs tweaked with the injection pulse counter, also part of the ignition distributor. I dunno, I have no prior experience with this set up. Similar to Porsche 914, early VW. But, I don't mean to be too negative here, even now the car drives strong, just don't try shifting near redline. No fluid leaks I have noticed. With a proper tune up this car would be surprisingly quick. Maybe I'm too used to driving my FIAT X19 which is a rev king (and needs to be). Tranny: Shifts good, no strange noises, clutch take up is nice and smooth. If you try to rush, 3rd complains a little. Give it a slight moment and no issues. Brakes: Strong, stops straight. Glass: All good. Manual windows work fine. Yes there are power window switches in the center console but these are hand crank. Top: Good condition, nice cloth top. No rips. Clear rear window. All latches work well, stows away well. Very well kept or replaced at some time. Chrome: All pretty good. Grill, door handles, trim, etc all nice. Front bumper has a small dent in it. Please have a good look at the photos, I can provide more if requested through email. This is a good car needing a good home. I hope an enthusiast appreciates it's rarity, and gives this 280 a solid dose of TLC. It deserves it.