1981 Mercedes 280SL Euro Spec version - Low miles - Very original - Great driver

1981 Mercedes 280SL

Rare Euro-Spec SL
Getrag 4 speed manual
Excellent on the road

Here up for bids is this very sharp Mercedes 280SL. This car was imported into Vancouver Canada with its original owner in 1995, nd remained local to that area until I bought it last February. I got a one-way flight into Vancouver and drove the car the 7 hours back to Portland, t performed brilliantly the entire way. Part of the reason for making the trip up there was the car's rare manual transmission. When Mercedes transitioned from the W113 model to the new R107 they left US customers without the option of a manual gearbox. The manual transmission in the Euro models adds a simplicity to this model that hearkens back to the W113 cars, hile still featuring the modern safety features that defined the R107 series - kind of the best of both worlds.
The car has 205,270 original kilometers, hich equals about 127,550 miles. You can tell right away that this car has been well cared for, lways garaged, nd still running beautifully after 35 years. The car passed US Customs and now carries an Oregon title in my name.
Click to enlarge any of the images, R click here to view a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

Finished in Champagne Metallic (DB473), he paint appears to be all original and still looks terrific. All body panels are super straight and the reflections off of them are almost optical quality. On close inspection you'll find a few small rock chips here and there, nd one or two light scratches, verall the paint finish stands tall in spite of these real world flaws.
Tire are quality Michelin Symmetry's paired with stock 14" Bundts. The wheels have been refinished with 3-stage powder coating, hey're flawless and that's a word I don't use freely.

Excellent lights and lenses front and back. Bumpers show good chrome, he rubber insert is in great shape as well.

The European lights feature the low wattage mode shown in the 2nd photo below, great look at dawn or dusk. The grill and lower air dam are both clean and straight.

Emblems and badging are all in good shape, ear valance has no dents or damage. The car has a factory branded MB exhaust from front to rear.

The hardtop shows some edge fogging on the rear glass, therwise it's in good condition. Headliner, eatherstripping and side glass all look terrific.

The soft top has good fit and opens and closes easily. No rips or tears, nd the back window is clear and pliable. The storage well is rust free.

The area around where the hard top mounts shows a couple minor scratches but no dents.
The windshield has a few little nicks but no chips or stars. The wiper arms are the original Bosch units from new, ftentimes missing on these cars.

Clean trunk with original spare, acking equipment and safety triangle.

The MB-Tex seats are all original and still in nice condition. Sill plates, eatherstripping, ood - all nicely preserved.

All switchgear is in good shape; the wipers, orn, ignals, tc all work as they should. Both of the integrated speaker grills are in great shape. All gauges are working correctly and the clock keeps perfect time. The radio is not operable and I haven't looked into why. The heater, an and ventilation controls work properly. Sorry, o AC. The car has not been smoked in, shtray and lighter are unused.

The dash pad is in perfect condition with no cracks, plits or warping. Door panels are nice as well, ost of these developed heat warping at the tops, i>especially the dark colored ones. The vacuum locking functions correctly and the power windows move smoothly. Rear cargo area looks as nice as the rest of the interior.

The car drives excellent. Starts instantly and runs strongly with no smoke, ou'll like the way this car drives. Ride quality is super, teering and suspension are tight, he car handles very well. It shifts flawlessly, rakes well and performs reliably with no drama or problems. The DOHC Six has an altogether different feel from the V8's - somewhat more light and sporting. On the 7 hour drive from Vancouver BC to Portland the car was simply outstanding. The stretch of I-5 after Tacoma and Olympia opens up and the traffic there flows between 80 and 90mph. This SL kept pace easily, olid and square on the road without a squeak or rattle.

No leaks, his car will not drip on your garage floor. The undercarriage shows no sign of rust or accident history, he jack ports and rocker panels are perfect from front to back. Altogether a well preserved R107 with a transmission that you're unlikely to find in the US.

Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images.

About the reserve price:
Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, lease just bid at the level that you'd want to pay. This auction ends Monday, ay 2nd at 10AM Pacific Time12 Noon Central1 PM Eastern, font>6 PM GMT.

About Payment:
I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion. I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 24 hours. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 5 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup.

Please read carefully:
This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid. Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid. Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this vehicle. Vehicle is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied. License plates are not included. Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, regon under applicable state laws. By bidding you agree to these terms.

About me:
Please check my feedback, take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, onded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon. I own this vehicle outright and the pictures were taken this week. Clean and clear Oregon title in my name. Clean CarFax, mail me for a copy. Ebay's system didn't recognize the European VIN, t is WDB10704210009447.

You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5. Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com

Post Auction details:
The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, lthough I'll be happy to help with logistics. I have a wholesale account with a shipping dispatch service and can help you find a reasonable rate.
Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote:
Schumacher cargo
CFR / Rinkens
California Shipping

Thanks for looking!

Bob Waldman
Cascadia Classic LLC - DA0639
Portland, regon
503-891-7702