1985 280SL recent purchase

[cl600]

So I just picked up a 1985 280SL Euro Grey Market. Car is unique since it has a 5 speed? The car drives similar to 560SL but seems might lighter?

Are these cars rare and worth restoring?

Car has been modified by someone in the past so would need some work to get back to original condition.

I am afraid to drop too much money in the thing since we all know these 107 models car eat cash and end up being upside down quickly.

Any thoughts appreciated. I can post pics later when I pick up car today.

Only reason someone sold it they need money due to LOCKDOWN orders.

Brent

[t walgamuth]

That is a nice car. With the six it should be plenty peppy especially with the stick. Not much lighter than the aluminum eight but probably a hundred less than the iron v8. Sould make a nice driver.

Not overly valuable but worth keeping nice.

[fonzi]

That’s a good one IMO. My 1985 5-speed is on my “keeper” short list. Everyone likes it because it’s shiny red with euro bumpers and lights. But driving stick is just more fun. It was my go-to when I wasn’t driving my truck until I decided I needed to work through my projects (and keep them at home instead). I figure most 5 speeds are worth about $15,000 or maybe more if there’s nothing big wrong with them and they are marketed well. On the other hand, it’s not super uncommon to get lucky and get a good one for about $5,000... just like any other r107. Having one myself, I sure would love for the values to skyrocket. But 280 is the smallest number for an r107 (even if it’s more powerful than bigger numbers), and they aren’t race cars. So what good is the stick? Most people are content with their cruiser 560sl (which will probably always be worth more despite my complete lack of interest in them).

Pics or it didn’t happen!

[cl600]

Here is the photo when I picked up the car.

Rims are trash and going to go back to oem 14s or just picked up some wired Daytonas might look cool?

I am slowly getting car back to normal, some 20 something owned it and also ran a head shop so its needs a lot of speakers, radios and other random crap removed.

Sad what someone did to this car, going to take a lot of time to get parts to make this OEM...

[tyl604]

Great looking SL. Needs a set of bundts.

[fonzi]

It’s interesting that it has a US 1972-1973 front bumper on it. Is the back like that?

Looks good.

Those wheels shouldn’t be too hard to sell off to replace with Bundts. I might check to see if there’s any chance it was delivered with steelies though. That’s unlikely. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a 1980+ 107 delivered with steelies. Edit, but I have seen a few steel spares in the trunk, like my 1985 500sl AMG that has one. Strange.

[cl600]

Funny the spare is a steel rim.

I will try a few sets of rims and see what looks best. I will post here love the opinions.

Also posted some parts need if the classified section.

Need:

Climate control A1078331114

Wood surround climate control

and the airbox and rubber connector (has KN on the intake!)

Thanks,
Brent

[fonzi]

I think @nobby runs a K&N filter on his. His 280sl 5-speed isn’t for the purists, but it sure has stood up to the test of miles.

[cl600]

I dont know these look kinda goofy imo?

[DelawareDave]

Originally Posted by cl600

I dont know these look kinda goofy imo?

A set of Bundts would be best for that car. Keeping it traditional is always the classiest move.