1978 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 SLC review from Australia and New Zealand
"Gorgeous and Reliable Cruise-mobile!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The odometer had stopped a couple of years ago and needed to be dismantled and fixed.
Small tear in drivers seat fabric.
The vacuum system for locking the seats was clogged up.
Front disk rotors are worn.
Engine was reconditioned in 1999.
Small patches of rust have appeared - sheet metal only, not structural.
General comments?
This is an extraordinary vehicle. It weighs 2 tons yet feels like a lot less. The handling is amazing and the ride is sublime.
It is amazingly quiet to drive. I have never had such hi-fi music in a car before as I can actually use the available dynamic range!
Everything in the car is designed around the driver. It is an ergonomic masterpiece and after driving 500km, you hardly feel like you have done anything.
For all of it's ahead of it's time design, it is still serviceable by any home mechanic, something that can't be said for the newer Benzes.
1978 - 2.8 twin cam, Fuel injected, 4 wheel disks, 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 speed auto... Gotta love Mercedes-Benz!
After lusting after R107 SLs for years and finally getting the SLC, my tastes have changed. The SLC proportions are perfect and the presence and grace the car has is a joy every time I see it. SLs are like weekend toys, the SLC feels like the real thing.
Recommended reviews
| Solid, Luxury and it does not feel like 30 years old |
|
| 320,000 miles! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1978 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 Inline 6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 185000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 195000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz W116 |
| Date of Entry | 12th January, 2004 |