Beautiful Bargain

1980 European-Specification R107 280SL

Article & Images Robert Vann

Produced in much smaller numbers than the U.S. version, this pretty European roadster is both rare and a great value. Part of a continuing series about desirable and affordable classics.

Maybe, like me, you’d like to have a rare classic Mercedes-Benz roadster to drive and enjoy. Perhaps, like me, you can’t justify buying a 190SL or one of the W113 Pagodas in their familiar 230SL, 250SL and 280SL variations; recently, their auction prices have exceeded the $100,000 mark, moving out of the drivable-classic category and into the investment-grade trailer-queen category.

However, there is a classic M-B roadster that is rarer than either the 190SL or any of the W113 models because the model was produced only for the European market and never imported into the United States. And the model I’m writing about can be purchased for much less than either of those models.

Background

I’m referring to the European specification R107 280SL – of which only 25,436 were produced – a mere 10 percent of all R107s ever made. We have no reliable estimates as to how many were purchased overseas and then shipped to the United States through informal channels, but the numbers are probably pretty small. Supply and demand theory dictates that these cars’ value will continue to grow.

I wasn’t too disappointed that I couldn’t afford one of the early roadsters because I found the styling of the successor model R107 to be as timeless and classic – and it had long been one of my favorites. The price was reasonable, and I was sure I would be able to drive it with confidence on a frequent basis instead of saving it for special tours and show fields.

When I decided to buy an R107, I checked out every example listed for sale: As long as it was an R107 – whether a 380SL, 450SL or 560SL, the only models I was aware of – I checked it out. Then I saw a listing for a “European-specification R107 280SL.” That didn’t compute. After checking out relevant reference sources, I found the explanation of how a 280SL could be an R107.

I already knew that the very desirable W113 Pagodas – with their modern lines forecasting the styling cues of generations of Mercedes-Benz to come – were produced for eight years, from 1963-1971 with the 280SLs the last of the run. By the end of their production, engineering details and engine performance were quite dated.

To replace this model, Mercedes-Benz introduced the R107 chassis lineup in 1971. It had similar lines to the W113, but was more rugged, more comfortable and more suited to long-distance cruising. Initially, the R107 was introduced with 3.5-liter and 4.5-liter V-8 engines in the 350SL and 450SL, and sold in both Europe and in the United States.

But reading further, I learned that the company introduced a 280SL model in 1974 to  fill a market niche – in  Europe – for a lower-priced version utilizing the trusty 2.8-liter, 6-cylinder, 185-horsepower double-overhead cam M110 engine already used in lower-priced sedans.

Concerned that the U.S. automotive market wouldn’t be interested in a sports car with a small 6-cylinder engine, Mercedes-Benz determined not to bring this model to the United States. However, the company did re-engineer V-8 models for the U.S. markets with heavier bumpers to meet low-speed crash tests, as well as detuning the U.S. versions of the two V-8 engines to address increasing gasoline prices.

The lovely 280SL version of the R107 with the original small European-specification bumpers and smaller engine continued to be marketed in small numbers in Europe through 1985.

Buying my own 280SL

Looking at the specifications, I was concerned that the 280SL might be underpowered. Because I wasn’t sure exactly what to look for in evaluating the car, I asked my friend Jim Villers to accompany me to check it out. Villers is the president of the International 190SL Group and has restored several different Mercedes-Benz models: His opinion would be valued.

We found that the car was in excellent condition and ran fine. Even better: Because the Euro-spec 280SL weighs in at 200 pounds less that the 450SL – but has only five horsepower less than the final U.S. version – it’s definitely not underpowered. Villers said it handled better than any Mercedes roadster he had ever driven. That’s probably because the 6-cylinder engine is lighter than the V-8 and the lighter front end delivers more responsive steering. I also liked the fact that the European cars did not have the battering-ram bumpers that detracted from the appearance of the United States cars.

Having been well maintained by its owner of 25 years, the car seemed generally in good condition and rust-free. George Murphy, an M-B aficionado who knows a lot about the entire range of Mercedes-Benz cars and had actually once owned a Euro-spec 280SL, assured me that the M110 engine was strong and reliable.

Only after I purchased the car did I learn from The Star magazine’s technical guru Richard Simonds the small number of Euro-spec 280SLs produced. That was when I realized that I had a relatively rare and special classic. I’m not sure what I enjoy most about my bargain classic: the classic lines of the R107, the delicate styling that draws puzzled glances and compliments, the distinctive handling from the solid suspension under a light front end – or the knowledge that even though I didn’t pay a huge amount for the car, I’ve still got what I think is a collectible roadster I can enjoy today and know it will be worth just as much or more tomorrow.

Specifications

1980 R107 280SL Roadster

TYPE: Two-door, two-passenger roadster with removable hardtop

ENGINE: Naturally aspirated 2,746cc K-Jetronic fuel-injected inline 6-cylinder

TRANSMISSION: 4-speed manual

HORSEPOWER: 185   TORQUE: 172 lb-ft

WHEELBASE: 96.9 in   LENGTH: 172.9 in

CURB WEIGHT: 3,305 lb

ZERO-60 mph: 11.2 sec   TOP SPEED: 124 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (Observed): 23 mpg

UNITS PRODUCED: 25,436   VALUE RANGE (NADA):  $15,400-$32,600

The styling of the European-specification 280SL is similar in spirit to the W113 Pagoda from which it is descended. The wheels are original stock, and were often replaced by aftermarket versions with more bling. Slim European bumpers highlight the designer’s original intentions.

The interior of the European 280SL came stock with a distinctive plaid fabric, MB-Tex upholstery and wood more consistent with the sedans than previous roadsters. The DOHC straight-6 puts out an honest 185 horsepower, more than adequate to handle the weight. Trunk is nicely trimmed.