Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 163
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Chassis no. 113.044-12-003977
Sold for US$95,200 inc. premium
Lot 163
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Chassis no. 113.044-12-003977
Chassis no. 113.044-12-003977
2,778cc SOHC Straight-Six Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
170bhp at 5,800 rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
*Gorgeous color scheme of Papyrus White over black interior
*Equipped with both Pagoda hardtop and folding soft top
*Delivered new to the United States
*Retains its original fenders
*Matching numbers engine per included Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
The W113 SL had its work cut out from the very beginning, responsible as it was for replacing both the otherworldly 300 SL gullwing and beautiful baby 190 SL. Not only did the stunningly elegant 'pagoda' prove a worthy successor to its legendary predecessors, its timeless elegance and extraordinary build quality helped cement the Sport Leicht's lofty reputation, securing a special place in Mercedes' lineup that endures today with the seventh generation R232.
Of the 48,912 built over nearly a decade of production, fewer than half were earmarked for the United States. Nicknamed due to their subtly, yet distinctly concave hardtop and its resemblance to a traditional pagoda roof, W113 SL's of all types–230, 250, and 280–are today among the most admired and collectible of all vintage Mercedes automobiles.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This beautiful example was sold new in the United States, equipped with a desirable specification combining a torquey, smooth, range-topping 2.8 liter straight-six and Mercedes' excellent and advanced 4-speed automatic transmission.
Its current Papyrus White over black upholstery color combination represents the car's original, factory spec, and it is further enhanced by thorough, recent professional restoration work covering both cosmetics and mechanicals.
Though many examples wear Mercedes' so-called 'bottlecap' alloy wheels, the auction car's standard steel items with color-coded covers are particularly well-suited to Paul Bracq's timelessly graceful bodywork. Also note the correct twin-pipe exhaust outlet, straight sheet metal, excellent brightwork, and complete and correct trim. The black cloth soft top matches original spec and fits snugly as designed with a clear, undamaged rear window.
Included with the car's original pagoda hardtop is its desirable and often-missing garage trolley for ease of storage. As noted above, Papyrus White is the car's original factory color, resprayed here to a high standard as part of recent bare-metal cosmetic restoration. While many W113s suffer from heavily rusted fenders, the auction car retains its originals as identified by matching numbers.
Inside, the car retains its original upholstery, underneath which replacement, factory-style padding has been carefully added. Following recent sorting, the car is said to remain fully functional including original A/C (updated with a modern compressor), lovely analog dash clock, gauges, lights, and even the original Becker AM/FM radio. Note also the trunk mounted spare and correct cover.
Per the included Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate, the car's M130 type straight-six is its original, factory installed engine. Completely rebuilt as part of restoration, the 2.8 liter SOHC unit also benefits from a rebuilt mechanical fuel injection pump and injectors. Suspension and brakes have been fully refreshed as well.
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
170bhp at 5,800 rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
*Gorgeous color scheme of Papyrus White over black interior
*Equipped with both Pagoda hardtop and folding soft top
*Delivered new to the United States
*Retains its original fenders
*Matching numbers engine per included Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
The W113 SL had its work cut out from the very beginning, responsible as it was for replacing both the otherworldly 300 SL gullwing and beautiful baby 190 SL. Not only did the stunningly elegant 'pagoda' prove a worthy successor to its legendary predecessors, its timeless elegance and extraordinary build quality helped cement the Sport Leicht's lofty reputation, securing a special place in Mercedes' lineup that endures today with the seventh generation R232.
Of the 48,912 built over nearly a decade of production, fewer than half were earmarked for the United States. Nicknamed due to their subtly, yet distinctly concave hardtop and its resemblance to a traditional pagoda roof, W113 SL's of all types–230, 250, and 280–are today among the most admired and collectible of all vintage Mercedes automobiles.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This beautiful example was sold new in the United States, equipped with a desirable specification combining a torquey, smooth, range-topping 2.8 liter straight-six and Mercedes' excellent and advanced 4-speed automatic transmission.
Its current Papyrus White over black upholstery color combination represents the car's original, factory spec, and it is further enhanced by thorough, recent professional restoration work covering both cosmetics and mechanicals.
Though many examples wear Mercedes' so-called 'bottlecap' alloy wheels, the auction car's standard steel items with color-coded covers are particularly well-suited to Paul Bracq's timelessly graceful bodywork. Also note the correct twin-pipe exhaust outlet, straight sheet metal, excellent brightwork, and complete and correct trim. The black cloth soft top matches original spec and fits snugly as designed with a clear, undamaged rear window.
Included with the car's original pagoda hardtop is its desirable and often-missing garage trolley for ease of storage. As noted above, Papyrus White is the car's original factory color, resprayed here to a high standard as part of recent bare-metal cosmetic restoration. While many W113s suffer from heavily rusted fenders, the auction car retains its originals as identified by matching numbers.
Inside, the car retains its original upholstery, underneath which replacement, factory-style padding has been carefully added. Following recent sorting, the car is said to remain fully functional including original A/C (updated with a modern compressor), lovely analog dash clock, gauges, lights, and even the original Becker AM/FM radio. Note also the trunk mounted spare and correct cover.
Per the included Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate, the car's M130 type straight-six is its original, factory installed engine. Completely rebuilt as part of restoration, the 2.8 liter SOHC unit also benefits from a rebuilt mechanical fuel injection pump and injectors. Suspension and brakes have been fully refreshed as well.
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Mark Osborne
Global Director of Motorsport
Auction Viewings
- 1 March 2023, 09:00 - 19:00 EST
- 2 March 2023, 09:00 - 10:00 EST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1911 Delaunay-Belleville 26HP Tourer
£70,000 - £100,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000
