According to the seller, this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280SLC represents a configuration they have never encountered in 52 years of trading these cars: a four-speed manual paired with the twin-overhead-cam 2.8-liter inline-six. While the C107 family is best known for its V8-powered coupes, this 280SLC forgoes the heavier V8 for the M110 six-cylinder, which the seller describes as yielding a lighter, more responsive, and nimble driving experience without sacrificing the robust Mercedes-Benz ride and build quality. The car was recently equipped with air conditioning, which the seller reports performs well, and the gauges are said to be in good working order.

Key characteristics:

• Silver exterior over a Blue interior
• 2.8-liter twin-cam inline-six with a four-speed manual transmission
• LHD two-door coupe; originality rated as Original & Highly Original
• Recently added air conditioning
• Odometer shows 134,780 kilometers (~83,700 miles)
• Seat base material requires replacement, according to the seller

The 280SLC was produced from 1974 to 1981 and was not officially imported to North America, making U.S. examples particularly uncommon. As the entry-level C107 variant, it offered a more fuel-efficient alternative to the V8-powered 350SLC and 450SLC while retaining the same iconic styling and build quality that made the R107/C107 series Mercedes-Benz's longest-running passenger car platform until the G-Class. The seller reports the engine is tight and strong with no smoke or leaks, and the transmission shifts smoothly with properly functioning synchros.

From a market perspective, data on the Mercedes-Benz 280SLC market shows a CLASSIC.COM Market Benchmark of $9,298, though recent comparable sales have ranged from roughly $8,400 to $15,555 for similar coupes. Notably, a 1979 manual-transmission example sold at Bonhams in 2019 for $26,093, and a 1977 4-speed brought $15,555 on Bring a Trailer in 2022—suggesting that well-preserved manual examples can command significant premiums over the broader market average.