1983 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible

Description

Beginning with the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ of the 1950s, Daimler Benz’s Sport Leicht range has been an enduring success for more than fifty years, the high-tech sixth generation carrying on this tradition today. Both the 300 SL and its more affordable four-cylinder 190 SL sibling were simultaneously replaced by the second generation W113 ‘Pagoda’ range in 1963, followed by an entirely new model launched in April 1971, the R107, which became the longest-lived SL to date. Nicknamed the Panzerwagen by Stuttgart’s engineers, safety was a major priority with the R107, incorporating features like a padded dashboard and fuel tank relocated to the boot. The added weight of the rigid bodyshell was compensated for by larger and more powerful six-cylinder and V8 engines adapted from the S-Class sedans, while the new trailing arm rear suspension was also a major improvement over the swing axle set-up of previous generations. Developed in response to the Oil Crisis already eating into sales of thirsty V8s, the 280 SL utilised the excellent M110 twin overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine, with 185bhp on tap it was only 15bhp shy of the bigger 350 V8 – indeed, with a four-speed manual as standard (a four-speed auto or five-speed box were both optional) combined and the high-revving nature of the six, the 280 SL was actually no slouch on the road and arguably a better all-round package. The six-cylinder SL (and longer-wheelbase SLC sibling) continued virtually unchanged into the 1980s, although the new five-speed GL275 manual transmission was adopted as standard equipment from 1981 onwards and no external changes to the classic two-seater shape were made apart from a new chin spoiler. The R107 range offers the perfect classic roadster experience for those not wanting to compromise on safety or luxury features. They are reliable, beautifully made and still offer equipment levels ahead of many modern cars, with a style only Mercedes-Benz can truly capture.