1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Coachwork by Paul Bracq

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

*Exquisitely well-preserved and highly original example
*Includes both 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Southern California car from new retaining the original yellow and blue CA license plates
*High-quality and very usable Mercedes-Benz SL


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 interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during July of 1970, this highly original 280SL was equipped for the US market from new, and soon after exported to Southern California, where the first owner would take delivery. The car would have looked just as it does today on the 1970s California Highways, dressed in classic DB180 Mercedes-Benz Sliver Metallic exterior over a black MB-Tex interior.

The beautiful Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda is believed to have remained in Southern California since new and appears to have been meticulously well-preserved and cared for over the years, as opposed to neglected of fully torn apart for restoration. A professional repaint in the original Silver bodycolor was performed about 30 years ago, while most other parts of the car remain original. Factory fitted lights and lenses remain in place, as does much of the chrome and brightwork, bar the front and rear bumpers which has been re-chromed. Both the original 'Pagoda' hard top finished in body color and the black fold-away canvas convertible top are offered with the SL. Color-coded hubcaps are fitted, and a fresh set of thin white-wall tires were recently mounted while the car was treated to a comprehensive service. The old blue and yellow California license plates rounds of the exterior of the car, giving a nod to its well-preserved, survivor status.

Inside the beautifully preserved cabin one finds the original Becker Europa radio gracing the dashboard, and the factory original A/C system which blows ice cold. Seats, carpets, and instruments are all original as factory delivered, and in beautiful condition. Truly a well-preserved example, this exquisite 280SL deserves serious consideration.