1979 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Euro 280 SL Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

10704210005252

Gasoline

1979 Mercedes 280SL West Coast ownership from new Classic "Astral Silver" DOHC Six, 4 speed Up for bids is this rare Euro version of the venerable R107 Series.  This car was dealer imported for an important client in 1979.  Quite a bit of paperwork was involved to bring the car into the US,  one obvious reason for all that work is the 4 speed transmission that this car features.  When Mercedes transitioned from the W113 model to the new R107 they left US customers without the option of a manual gearbox.  The European market cars also enjoyed livelier motors, more svelte bumpers, and of course the integrated one piece headlights that these cars wear so well. The car started out with the orginal owner in Los Angeles, came with him to Seattle in the 90s, and has had 2 more local owners since then.  Always garaged, this car has been in the hands of dedicated enthusiasts from new.  The manual transmission adds a simplicity to this model that hearkens back to the W113 cars, yet the car offers the modern safety features that defined the R107 series - kind of the best of both worlds.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. The car has had a very nice repaint in its original color of Astral Silver, code 735.  The paint finish presents very well, glossy and smooth, showing only a few touched in chips here and there.  The prep and application were first rate, there are no signs of orange peel, fisheye, runs, or overspray - most people will be hard pressed to tell it was repainted at all.  The car is well suited for daily use, having nice quality paint but not so perfect that it causes worry. This car has no rust issues anywhere top or bottom, no bubbling, no blistering, no problems.  Panel fit is good, doors close with a vault like feel.  The car rides on a set of quality Michelin radials, the chromed wheels show no pitting or peeling (often the case), these are in exceptional condition. The bumpers add a look to this car that is just simply missing from the US market cars with their ungainly 5mph bumpers, this is the way these cars were designed to look.  The bumpers are in good shape with the exception of a small dent on the left side of the front bumper, see the 1st photo below. All lights and lenses are in excellent shape on this car, even the fog lamps.  The Bosch headlights have the low wattage feature for illumination at dusk or dawn, always a great look on these cars.  The lower valance and grills on this car are straight and true, these are prone to getting tweaked by careless drivers, not the case with this car. The windshield is original and still in good shape, the header bar as well.  The Bosch wiper blade holder assemblies are original, you wouldn't believe me if I told what these cost at the dealer to replace. The trunk contains the jacking equipment, spare and tool kit, a car cover is also included.  The soft top is in very good condition, its rare Heather Gray color adding a nice aesthetic element to the car's appearance.  The top has excellent fit, opens and closes easily, and has a clear and pliable back window. The hardtop is excellent as well, it transforms this car into a true all season vehicle. The interior of this car continues the theme of babied creampuff.  The MB-Tex seats are still very nice, showing only minimal wear.  The carpet is in great shape throughout.  The wood trim is in excellent condition, showing no cracks or sun fading, the benefit of a garaged life. The audio system needs some work, the original Becker radio powers on but doesn't tune, the Sony 6 disc changer operates but has no sound.  Both will need some looking into, the good news is that the Hirschmann power antenna works flawlessly.  The heater, fan, and plenums all operate correctly. All gauges operate correctly and show good readings. Both door panels are in nice shape without the heat warping you so often see.  The rear deck houses the first aid kit, still unused. The fragile integrated speaker grills are unmarked and perfect.  Both door sills are crisp and clean.  The dash pad looks like new with no splits or cracks. You'll definitely like the way this car drives.  The car starts easily and runs strongly with no smoke, leaks, or issues.  The DOHC Six provides plenty of power, and delivers it in a more lithe and efficient manner than the big lumbering US market V8's.   Ride quality is very nice, steering and suspension are tight with no slop, this car handles very well.  The car shifts flawlessly, with smooth and positive engagement.  The factory headers on this motor provide the auditory feedback that makes driving fun. I recently drove the car on a  3 hour freeway trip, it performed excellent from start to finish.   The undercarriage shows no sign of rust and all 4 jack ports are perfect.  No signs of accidents or repair.  The car has had recent exhaust and brake work, the oil is fresh and all fluids have been checked and filled - the car is ready for the road. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: The reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you are comfortable paying.  This auction ends Friday, 8-5-11 at at 12 Noon Pacific Time , 2 PM Central , 3 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  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.  License plate is not included unless the winning bidder is an Oregon resident.  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.  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 can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Thanks for looking! Do you have a collector car in the Pacific Northwest that you're interested in selling?  Email me, I'm always ready to buy exceptional cars.