Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
The 280SL was released at the same time as the 280SLC,
featuring the same silky smooth and highly efficient smaller
capacity DOHC six cylinder engine.
The release to both the 280SL and SLC models can be seen
as Mercedes response to growing consumer concerns over
the fuel shortages that were occuring at that time.
The level of quality and appointments was not compromised,
being identical to those of the
350SL and
450SL models,
the only difference really being in the engine compartment.
And what a delightful motor it was, powerful, efficient
and, being lighter than its V8 brothers, giving little
by way of a performance defecit.
Obviously the smaller motor made the 280SL lighter, indeed
85 kilos lighter than the 350SL!, and with the weight
advantage came a better
handling motor car - many believing
the 6 cylinder variants were indeed sweeter and sportier.
We wont enter into the debate, the desirability of a R107
280SL today speaks for itself!