1984 Mercedes-Benz 280-Class

1984 Mercedes Benz 280sl Convertible At the beginning of American sales activity 79 years ago, the choice of automobiles with the three pointed star sold in this country consisted of one model, powered by one engine type, available in one color, an early variation of fire engine red. But for 1984, the American customer's choices extend over a wider spectrum than ever before. There are now ten models to choose from, each specifically intended to provide a Mercedes-Benz answer to a particular set of needs and tastes. From the 1984 brochure.  For consignment, a 1984 Mercedes Benz 280SL convertible showing 97,937 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This is a two top, gray market import that's been owned by our consignor for 15 years.  Exterior The first thing you may notice is the European composite headlights which are preferred by many as a superior look to the dual headlight American adaptation, here accompanied by fog lights and marker lights on the lower level below the chrome wraparound bumper. The attractive profile is next, so good it remained virtually unchanged for about 20 years, a well balanced design that rounds square edges and places the cabin in the center. The matching hardtop gives the car a solid look, while the black canvas version retains the distinct shape and offers a sportier option, the ability to drop the top when the mood strikes, a color keyed hard tonneau dressing the retracted top. Overall, paint and body are in good shape with imperfections noted as a hazing of the plastic windows, detachment of the windows, rust and bubbles near the rocker panel trim, and bubbling on the hood.  Interior Palomino saddle MB Tex is used on the interior beginning on the door panels where it is expertly crafted to show some light pleating over perfectly smooth panels, door hardware, and a lower storage bin. Stitched bucket seats show some patina, especially the driver's where there is some noticeable wear on the edge. The rear 2+2 is in good shape and the soft trim around the edge has some wear, likely catalyzed by sun exposure. A textured black steering wheel fronts one of the better dashboards found in sports luxury cars of the time, simple, efficient, and clear with a speedometer that maxes out at 160 mph. Glossy wood adorns the center console and houses an AM/FM/CD player and some switchgear. While the wood of the center console shows some sun fade, we're thrilled to find a joystick, a manual shifter, and we don't even care that it shows some age. Low pile tan carpet covers the floor protected by branded mats and it also finishes the trunk in plush form.  Drivetrain Any kind of insulation pad or dress on the underside of the hood is gone, so cosmetically, it could use some help. The engine itself is driver quality and is a 2.8 liter SOHC inline six producing a healthy 182 horsepower and receiving fuel via a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system. It is backed by a 5-speed manual transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.92 gears.  Undercarriage General patina is noted along with typical surface rust and some residual fluids on the oil pan and rear differential. The knuckles are clear and the belly pans are just dusty but fully intact. Independent coil spring suspension is found front and rear along with power disc brakes. The dual exhaust travels in tandem to a stock style muffler and resonator and exit through two adjacent tailpipes on the driver's side.  Drive-Ability The space is familiar as the mall has represented dozens of fine SL's over the years, but the shifter is an uncommon bonus to this one! It puts the sport in personal luxury sports tourer! Meanwhile, the engine comes to life quickly and we row the gearbox to set the red ride into motion around the loop. It does as SL's do, handles well, tracks straights, and provides good power underfoot. Only the reverse lights don't work in this example and all other functions operate as they should. While Classic Auto