LOT 12
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Chassis no. 113.044-12-004824
Sold for US$45,920 inc. premium
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Chassis no. 113.044-12-004824
2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Just one caring owner and a little over 64,000 miles from new
*Highly original, matching-numbers example still in the factory delivered livery
*Factory-equipped with Pagoda hardtop and Behr Air Conditioning
*Serviced and maintained routinely by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich
Previewing in Bedford Hills, New York by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
In the spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL - the 230SL. The 230SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language, featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. The 230SL was fitted with a prominent three-pointed star in its grill as a reference to the already iconic 300SL. To save on weight, the hood, door skins, trunk lid, and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminum. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered a masterpiece of design.
In 1967, Mercedes introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280SL, and it then became apparent that some cars don't change, they just get better. "The Mercedes-Benz 280SL, the latest version of a line that began as the 230SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better," concluded Road & Track after testing a 280SL in 1968. "For those who value engineering, finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field," enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280SL: "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally)."
The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis with a rear swing axle and independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power came from a 2.8-liter version of Mercedes' robust inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection, a combination producing 160 horsepower in US-market variants, which had to be modified slightly to comply with emissions standards. To compensate, the rear-end ratios were changed in these US-market cars to offer greater low-end acceleration.
While the 280SL did not offer the performance of the 300SL, it is a very charming model with capable handling and braking thanks to its suspension and all-wheel disc brakes. These Roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s. Thanks to their robust inline-six and their luxurious Mercedes-Benz interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during the summer of 1968, this highly original example of the classic Pagoda was equipped from new with Behr air conditioning and destined for the US market. The striking Mercedes-Benz was finished just as it appears today, in the stunning Burgundy exterior color, over a black MB Tex interior with neatly contrasting grey German square weave carpets.
The 280SL was purchased new on October 5th, 1968, from Autobahn Motors in Trenton, New Jersey. The purchaser, a resident of Princeton, NJ and later Greenwich, CT, has kept the Mercedes-Benz in his ownership ever since. The car has been treated to much refurbishment and light restoration work in recent years by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, CT, and receipts on file can attest to both mechanical and cosmetic work, totaling more than $13,000. A repaint of the exterior has been performed as well, in the original Burgundy color.
This highly original 280SL benefits from diligent care by just one single owner from new and is fitted with the desirable factory-installed Behr air conditioning system. The dashboard is adorned by a period-correct Becker radio, and the interior reveals just how well this car has been taken care of since new.
With just 64,030 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging, this beautiful 280SL remains in highly original condition and gives one the feeling of quality craftsmanship which these fine motorcars are known for. The history file retains the original bill of sale, along with the aforementioned service and maintenance records.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
Additional information
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