1981 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

- Rare Getrag 5 Speed - Convertible

DOHC Six

Manual

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Clear

Gasoline

1981 Mercedes 280SL Rare Euro-Spec SL 62K actual miles Getrag 5 speed Up for bids is this very sharp Mercedes 280SL.  This car was imported through the European Delivery Program in 1981 and has had 2 owners from new.  Some legwork was involved to bring the car into the US back then, one obvious reason for that extra work is the 5 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 European market cars also offered higher horsepower motors, more svelte bumpers, and the Bosch headlights that these cars wear so well.  The manual transmission adds a simplicity to this model that hearkens back to the W113 cars, while still featuring the creature comforts that defined the R107 series - kind of the best of both worlds.   Click to enlarge any of the photos below, right-click to open in a new window. Finished in the classic Mercedes color of Anthracite Grey Metallic (code DB172), the car is wearing mostly original paint and it still shows very well.  It appears that the trunk lid and hardtop have been repainted.  I have been all over this car and have not detected any areas with rust, filler or signs of bodywork.  The paint finish is very nice for being 33 years old, it's obvious that this car was garaged.  You'll find a few light scratches here and there, with some particularly noticeable ones between the trunk lid and soft-top compartment.  Overall, the car presents well in spite of these real world flaws.  Tire are quality Toyos with good tread, the wheels are rare polished alloys, in my opinion a much better option than chrome. Excellent lights and lenses front and back. Bumpers show good chrome, the rubber insert is in great shape as well. The grill, surround and star are all in great shape.  The lower grills on these Euro 107's were prone to warping and cracking, this one is in perfect shape with straight fins and no broken tabs. Windshield is terrific with no chips or stars. Sighting down the sides of the car you'll find zero dings or dents, this SL is arrow straight.  Great panel fit throughout, the doors close like a bank vault. The 1st photo below shows some of the typical scratches where the hardtop mounts.  The trunk is clean and original, it carries the factory jacking equipment, tool kit and a Pirelli spare that's never been on the ground. The hardtop shows good glass and weatherstripping, it fits securely and transforms the car into an airtight coupe for year round use.  The soft top is original to the car but unfortunately shows some wear and damage.  It still fits well and has good weatherstripping but is not up to the same standards of the rest of the car.  The storage compartment is dry and rust free, with original perimeter weatherstripping that is holding up great.   The interior of this SL is all original and very well preserved. This is a leather optioned car, the seats are still very nice and show only minimal wear.  The carpet is in great shape, the footwells have always had mats over the carpet, I removed them for the photos.  Also included are the sheepskin covers that protected the seats and a fitted car cover.  Door panels are clean and unmarked.  Central locking function works as it should.  Interior lighting is all functional.  All of the car's weatherstripping is original and still terrific. All switchgear is in good shape; heater, fan and ventilation controls work properly.  The wipers, horn, signals, etc all work as they should.  The radio and electric antenna power on but the radio signal is weak for some reason.  Dashpad is perfect with no splits or cracks. Both power windows operate smoothly, the car was also optioned with rare heated seats.  They work well and are a great addition for top down motoring in the Fall and Spring.   The car has not been smoked in, ashtray and lighter are unused.  All gauges work except for the clock.  Fuel gauge is accurate but the low fuel warning light stays on, that's the car's only quirk.  The car shows stable operating temperatures and great oil pressure.  Front core support still retains the factory sticker and data plate, both look like new. 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.  The car has long legs, it's rare that I find myself in 5th gear, this would be a very nice SL for long distance touring.   No leaks, this car will not drip on your garage floor.  The undercarriage shows no sign of rust or accident history, it's bone stock - still with its original exhaust. Perfect jack ports and rocker panels 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 slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the reserve price: Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you're comfortable paying.  This auction ends Monday November 17th at 10AM Pacific Time , 12 Noon Central , 1 PM Eastern, 6 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. The license plate will be included in the sale.  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 Idaho title, the car can be registered in all 50 states.   Ebay's computers do not recognize European VIN's, the VIN for this car is WDB1070421A010968.   I have a clean carfax on this car.   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!