1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Design by Paul Bracq

2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Mechanical Bosch Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Fitted with rare and desirable ZF manual transmission
*Equipped with both 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Delivered new to the United States
*High-quality built Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet


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 Cabriolet 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 are 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-Benz introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280SL. 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 SOHC 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 open-top Cabriolets also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s, and thanks to their robust inline-six and luxurious Mercedes-Benz interior, are wonderful cars to drive and enjoy.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Produced at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during March of 1969, this lovely 280SL was one of very few US-market cars to feature the 4-speed manual ZF transmission. By the Introduction of the 280SL, the vast majority of cars imported into the US were fitted with an automatic gearbox, making these three-pedal examples quite desirable.

This very 280SL was retained by a Portland, Oregon family from the 1990s until 2015, during which time the car was kept dry in the family garage, while serviced and maintained as needed. Acquired by the consignor in 2015, the iconic Mercedes-Benz has since formed part of an impressive collection of classic European sports cars. Finished in the clean exterior color of DB50 Mercedes-Benz White with black leather, black soft-top, and optional 'Pagoda' hardtop in body color, the car looks both elegant and correct for the period. The exterior paint and luxurious MB Tex interior is in very nice condition, while the mechanical systems are reported to be in good order as well. The stainless-steel Mercedes-Benz hubcaps are color-coded to match the bodycolor and gives the car the right look.

This beautiful 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 'Pagoda' with the desirable and rare, factory-fitted 4-speed manual ZF transmission option, offers the next custodian an entertaining and sporty SL driving experience. Iconic, high-quality manufactured and internationally recognized, the fully evolved Mercedes-Benz 280SL is the perfectly usable, all-around classic car.