1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

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 Hydraulic Disc Brakes

*Fastidiously well-documented example with original build sheet and factory paperwork on file
*Much restoration work recently completed by Mercedes-Benz marque specialists
*Offered with both the original 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Matching numbers example of the classic 280SL

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

Few cars are as well-documented as this beautiful 280SL 'Pagoda'. A peek into the comprehensive history file accompanying the sale of the car reveals fastidious record-keeping from the two long-term caretakers of this fine machine. Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during September of 1969, this 280SL had been ordered by first owner Mr. R. C. Findlay, a VP at the Inland-Ryerson Construction Products Company based in Chicago, Illinois. A 3-inch ring binder reveals the original letters of correspondence between Mr. Findlay and the Mercedes-Benz factory in Stuttgart, where Mr. Findlay orders the car to be manufactured as it appears today in DB50 White over code 131 MB Tex interior, equipped with a factory hard top, Becker radio, specified as a US-market car and equipped with a rare factory ski rack! Mr. Findlay appears to have taken delivery of the car in Europe, and presumably kept it at his Milano, Italy residence for about a year before shipping it from Genoa, Italy to New York, USA in August of 1970. He would retain the Mercedes-Benz in the US in his ownership until 1980, when a Mr. Ron Weller of Paradise Valley, Arizona would acquire the car. Further fastidious record keeping can be found in the history file from Mr. Weller's ownership, which appears to have continued for more than three decades.

This beautiful and well-engineered Mercedes-Benz 280SL has recently been treated to much restoration work carried out by Southern California-based specialist shops, including fitment of a new interior in addition to much mechanical and cosmetical work. Today the Mercedes-Benz presents in lovely condition, still fitted with the original Becker Grand Prix radio. One should flip through the huge history file containing the original build sheets, original purchase paperwork and correspondence, shipping and import paperwork, registration cards and titles, brochures and paraphernalia, original owners' manuals in pouch and an abundance of receipts from work done since new. Still equipped with its original matching numbers engine, this well-documented Pagoda deserves serious consideration.