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Market Auction

1985 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (R107) [Market Auction Example]

At a Glance

Great History | Restored In 2000s | Family Owned Since New

  • Mileage~85,000 on clock
  • TransmissionAutomatic
  • Engine2.7L
  • LocationSwansea

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

Market Auction

The seller has supplied the images and written the description - we have actioned seller ID, V5 and HPi checks - learn more

MARKET AUCTION

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CURRENT BID£1,000
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MARKET AUCTION

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£1,000

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Video #2

Introduction

The R107 consistently provides an incredibly enjoyable day out.

This example comes to market having been in the same family ownership since new, and after ~8 years with the current owner. The 280SL was subject to a restoration between 2000-2003 by the owners father. The car recently underwent a service and an MOT this March. Being almost exempt from MOT and tax, this example is an ideal classic ready to be used, cherished, and tinkered with. The 280 SL comes with a current MOT valid until 16.04.2025.

Market Auction

Colin, the seller, has created this listing themselves using our free Market Auction tool. Unlike our Curated Auctions, we haven’t photographed the car or written the listing, however we have completed 3 important security checks for your peace of mind.

V5C Checked

Colin provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Colin provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

V5C Checked

Colin provided a copy of the V5C logbook, which we verified against his photo ID for name and address confirmation.

ID Checked

Colin provided his photo ID, which we verified against the name and address on the V5C logbook.

History Checked

History check actioned using HPi, the industry’s top verification service, for finance, write-offs, and stolen records.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Beautiful body lines, and chrome work galore, finished in Signal Red.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels finished in silver, appear well cared for with no obvious damage from our observation, though there are minor signs of wear and peeling around the centre caps.

The wheels are fitted with Fulda Carat tyres, which also appear to be in good condition. They have a good amount of tread remaining and show no obvious signs of cracking or ageing on the sidewalls.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this 280 SL appeared to be in good condition, and show signs of care over the years. We didn't spot any obvious dings down the flanks of the car, shut lines looked tight all around the car too, and no obvious signs of corrosion either. This is testament to the restoration in the early 2000s, and subsequent limited mileage since.

Paint

Finished in "Signal Red", the paint is to a good standard, with even coverage and colour across each panel. The car was resprayed as part of the restoration between 2000-2003. In the bright sun, we did notice some swirl marks on our visit, the car would benefit from a good polish to bring it up a level, and we did notice a large scratch on the front left wing of the car as pictured.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this car looks good and is in line with the mileage and ownership, the car receiving a new windscreen in 2001. We didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also look good. The chrome bumpers look to be in good condition too.

The car comes with its factory hard-top, which like the soft-top, is in great condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Featuring patterned cloth inners, the interior has held up well.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have retained their shape very well. There are only slight signs of age throughout the cabin, such as the mirror directional cover coming loose, a split in the sun visor, and some wear to the rubber seals.

A similar story can be seen with the door cards and carpets.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in a black vinyl and presents in great condition with no cracks visible.

The odometer showed a reading of ~85,000 on the clock. The dashboard in this 280 shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, with no warning lights displayed on our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel presents in good condition and the black automatic gear selector looks good too.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

Solid Mercedes engineering.

Engine and Gearbox

We started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without issue.

Josh reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well, with its smooth automatic gearbox powering the rear wheels.

Suspension and Brakes

The front suspension utilises double wishbones, while the rear features a diagonal swing axle. The braking system is power-assisted with disc brakes.

The Drive

The car is ideal for long journeys, the SL is also agile and able to deal with modern driving conditions without problems.

Electrics and Other

The 280SL is fitted with a modern stereo head unit. Josh reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

A UK Signal Red 280 SL, coming to market from family ownership since new, passed through 3 generations and restored in the 2000s.

Coming from ~8 years of ownership with the current owner, Josh, the car has been in his family since new when his grandfather bought it back in 1985. This 280 SL is a good example of a timeless German classic, ready to be used and enjoyed the car has been recently serviced in April, along with a MOT. Being exempt from MOT and tax next year this will make the for the ideal garaged classic or restoration project. The car was subject to a restoration between 2000 and 2003 by Josh's father, who was in the military based in Germany at the time, and the car has covered minimal miles since, helping to preserve it in beautiful condition.

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From Trade Classics:

This is a Market Auction listing, meaning we have not visited and photographed the car - instead the seller has supplied the images and written the description. However we’ve done all our usual seller checks, including photo ID that matches the V5, and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPi that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

Viewings are welcomed, so please get in touch with us via the 'contact us' page - we just need to speak to you first on the phone, have you register on the site, and also send in valid photo ID before confirming a suitable time to visit.

Like all our auctions, if there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - the Buyer's Premium is not refundable in any instance, just like a traditional auction house.

Key Details
  • Model 280 SL (R107)
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Reg. Date 05.03.1985
  • CC 2,746
  • Mileage ~85,000 on clock
  • History Present
  • Colour Signal Red (568)
  • Interior Colour Black
  • Interior Trim Part cloth
  • Chassis # WDB1070422A016620
  • Engine # 11099022006860
  • Last Service 17.04.2024
  • MOT Yes. Exp - 16.04.2025
  • MOT Exempt No (2025)
  • Road Tax Exempt No (2025)
  • HPi Clear Yes
  • Former Keepers 5
  • Tyre Tread Good
  • Tyre Brand Fulda
  • # of Keys 2
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Owned Family owned since new
  • Key Feature Condition, history
  • Auction ID 2477
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

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Vehicle Location

Swansea

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    Auction Bidding

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    Current Bid £1,000
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    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a 280 SL like this is £217 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Winter 2025.

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    Vehicle Location

    Swansea

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price that the seller will let the car go for. We work with sellers to set realistic reserves in line with market pricing – we don’t take on vehicles with unrealistic pricing. Reserve met / not met labeling may or may not be announced during the auction – this is just like a traditional auction house, i.e. bidders may only know when they’ve been successful at the end of the auction.

    If the reserve hasn’t been met at the end of the auction then we work with the highest bidder to try to work out a deal with the seller.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

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