Hi Easipahi,
The 280 SL/8 does not mean it is a V8. The /8 engine was the designation for the engines fitted to the last 280 SL Pagodas.
On the left side of the block, above the oil filter of the last 280 SL is this engine insignia, "280SE/SL/8" if I remember correctly, it was not used in the US models, EU only.
According to the VIN nr you supplied, it is the 23,714th 280SL, which is very close to the last ones built. They only built 23,885.
Regards
Chris
Cape Town