This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is one of approximately 7,300 units produced with the M110 inline-six engine paired with a manual transmission and shows 36k miles from new. This example was intended as a grey market import into the United States from new and shipped from Antwerp, Belgium to the Port of Los Angeles, California on August 19th, 1985. Finished in Signal Red (568) over Black Leather (271) with a Black Fabric Soft Top (740), power comes from a 2.8L inline-six gasoline engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes automatic climate control, tempomat cruise control, power windows, a black soft top, and rare, factory installed rear seats (“kinder seats”). This R107 was acquired by the seller approximately a year ago and is now offered with a Signal Red removable hardtop, importation papers from 1985, North American EPA conversion papers, manufacturer’s literature, hang tags, service records, four keys, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Georgia title.

This Euro spec R107 is finished in Signal Red (568) and is fitted with a Black Fabric Soft Top (740). A color matched Signal Red removable hardtop is included with the sale. Exterior equipment includes power adjustable passenger mirror, fog lamps, glass Euro headlights, and Euro bumpers which are slimmer than their U.S. counterparts.. The seller notes paintwork on the deck lid, hood, top of passenger fender, upper rear quarter panels, and passenger door. This was to keep the car looking fresh and not because of damage. There is zero rust on any of the body panels or chassis.

Factory 14″ Bundt alloy wheels wear Vredestein Sprint Classic tires measuring 205/70 all around with 2023 date codes. The Bundts show in excellent condition painted in original Astral Silver paired with new titanium style lug bolts. Four wheel ATE disk brakes stop the car at four corners. New subframe bushings and sway bar mounts have been replaced. A new brake booster, brake reservoir hose, brake fluid, front pads/rotors were done at 33k miles in 2014. New front shocks were installed in tandem. 

Interior surfaces are finished in Black Leather (271) with matching carpets, door panels, kinder seats, and a black dashboard. Burl wood trim is present on the lower dash, center stack, and console showing no UV damage or cracks. An aftermarket wooden shift knob replaced the original for the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission. This R107 is optioned with kinder seats in the rear. The original Becker Mexico Cassette player has been replaced with an OE updated Becker 602 Grand Prix head unit. The dashboard shows no cracks or damage and the leather seats appear in excellent original condition. An A/C service was performed along with a new duovalve for the heater along the firewall. 

Gauges include a 160-mph VDO speedometer, 7k-rpm tachometer with an inset analog clock, and a six-digit odometer showing approximately 36k miles. Auxiliary gauges include oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level.

The 2.8-liter M110 inline-six was rated at 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque when new.  A 5-speed Getrag manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Original cadmium plating is visible in the engine bay and on the fuel injection lines as well as factory cosmoline where it should be. The valve cover shows no aluminum oxidation and is free of leaks. The car appears to be virtually rust free both topside and underneath. Additional underbody photos demonstrating the condition of the car are provided in the gallery below. A new washer fluid reservoir has been installed along with a new battery. In 2005, a water pump and coolant flush was done alongside a new alternator. In 2014 a new clutch master cylinder and slave cylinders were replaced and bled. Most recently in May of 2024 the car received engine and transmission mounts, shifter bushings, and flex disks along with a differential fluid flush. 

This grey market 280SL with a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission is now offered for sale by the current owner with old and new service records, papertrail showing its early life in detail, importation paperwork, Signal Red painted removable hardtop, 4 keys, manufacturer’s literature, a clean Carfax report, and a clean Georgia title.