56223 Miles 2.8L 6 CYL AutomaticConvertible

1979 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2.8 6 cyl Roadster with 56K orig miles R107 SL Description

West Coast Classics are proud to present an extremely rare original owner example of this 1979 Mercedes 280SL European imported model 2.8L 6 cylinder roadster with very desirable original factory options included the rare (1975-79 only) original 'Citrus Green Metallic' color (code 874) paint, anti-lock brakes, power steering, 'Becker' radio/cassette, tinted glass, central locking, original 'Black' German canvas soft top and original factory hard top! Purchased and imported by original and only owners in 1979 from a Mercedes-Benz dealer of Frankfurt, Germany and always garaged and babied as evidenced by the stunning condition of the original interior!
By 1963 the 190SL (Super Light) and the 300SL Roadster were neither Super or Light and the 190SL was simply too heavy to compete with the likes of even the British MG or Triumph and completely underpowered compared to the Austin-Healeys or Jaguars. Mercedes had two choices, either return to the premise of the original 300SL and build another pure sports car or create a new grand touring sports car that would continue the reputation of the SL's as touring cars rather than super racing cars. The 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in production through 23 February 1971, when the W113 was replaced by its successor, the entirely new R107 350 SL.
By the early 1980's, an elite few American enthusiasts who desired the more handsome European models, which were not being sold in the US, were starting to import the cars at great expense in order to avail themselves of the true SL driving experience. One such buyer was a prominent businessman who purchased and imported this particular example and it has reportedly always been serviced at primarily Mercedes independent specialists or dealerships since new.
This particular example simply must be seen to be appreciated - the original factory and very rare 'Citrus Green Metallic' (Code 932) color paint is very striking and in fabulous condition and all the chrome work is also in excellent condition and the original and 'Sand' colored interior is also virtually flawless. The original Black German canvas soft top is still virtually as new and by all accounts hardly ever used and the hard top is also as new.
With only one owner since new, this is one very rare example of an all original and very desirable European model 107 series SL roadster with only 56K original miles. This is one highly collectible and desirable 1979 280SL 6 cylinder roadster in this most striking and rarest of colors in very fine and irreplaceable condition throughout!