Hello folks need your help.

I recently purchased a 1971 280SL. "35,000 original Kilometers" This car must have been designed for German use since everything is in Kilometeres. The question I have that is not in the manual is the following: Does my 1971 requires leaded or unleaded gasoline. If this was required in this year, I pressume that the lead may lubricate the valves.??. Also my manual says that it requires 96 octane. Is this really needed or can I use 93 octane since that is what is available.

Thanks for your help.

Al.