Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 7
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible Chassis no. 113.044-12-015139
Sold for US$70,560 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 7
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
Chassis no. 113.044-12-015139
Chassis no. 113.044-12-015139
2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Mechanical Bosch Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Beautiful preserved example of the seminal W113
* Understated color scheme of triple Gray
* Nicely optioned with Becker radio and Frigiking A/C
* Hard top and Soft Top
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
In the Spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL: the 230SL. Internally designated W113, 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, affixed to a rigid steel monocoque. The car's distinctive concave-shaped removable hard top quickly earned it the nickname 'Pagoda.' Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered masterpieces 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, 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.
THE CAR OFFERED
This nicely presented example of the final and highly desirable iteration of the W113 has been the subject of careful ownership and lavish spending. Finished in Gray over Gray M-B Tex upholstery, its data card documents these as the original colors for this well optioned example that was delivered new to the United States with both tops, a Becker radio, two-piece painted hubcaps, tinted glass, and more. The first owner is not recorded, but history from 1990 to present is documented. It was purchased in Miami on March 23, 1990 by Ted and Laura Lynn Hoffman of Hallandale, Florida, and a copy of the purchase order shows it had 59,734 miles on the clock at the time of sale. The Hoffmans kept the car for about three years, driving just under 2,000 miles but spending well over a dollar a mile in maintenance costs alone according to records on file. The next owner, John Schwartz of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, would keep the car a good deal longer, selling it to the current owner after a quarter of a century in his care.
The seller has been a careful custodian of this largely original machine, regularly maintaining the car with the most recent major service being a $8,669 mechanical overhaul in February of 2022. Both driver and passenger are greeted by a richly appointed, authentically restored cockpit. The original MB Tex seats and door cards show nicely while both occupants ride in comfort thanks to original Frigiking A/C (which was serviced in 2022) and Becker Mexico cassette radio providing the niceties one expects in a refined, grand-touring convertible. Nicely finished gauges, restored woodwork, and dark gray loop carpeting round out the cabin.
Complete with both its black soft top and color-matched hard top for the classic 'Pagoda' look, this swift grand tourer includes original books, manuals, a copy of the data card, and service records going back 33 years. Between its preserved condition, renowned mechanical refinement, and fine interior appointments, this 280SL is perfect for any cruise, drive, or show.
Mechanical Bosch Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
* Beautiful preserved example of the seminal W113
* Understated color scheme of triple Gray
* Nicely optioned with Becker radio and Frigiking A/C
* Hard top and Soft Top
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
In the Spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL: the 230SL. Internally designated W113, 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, affixed to a rigid steel monocoque. The car's distinctive concave-shaped removable hard top quickly earned it the nickname 'Pagoda.' Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered masterpieces 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, 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.
THE CAR OFFERED
This nicely presented example of the final and highly desirable iteration of the W113 has been the subject of careful ownership and lavish spending. Finished in Gray over Gray M-B Tex upholstery, its data card documents these as the original colors for this well optioned example that was delivered new to the United States with both tops, a Becker radio, two-piece painted hubcaps, tinted glass, and more. The first owner is not recorded, but history from 1990 to present is documented. It was purchased in Miami on March 23, 1990 by Ted and Laura Lynn Hoffman of Hallandale, Florida, and a copy of the purchase order shows it had 59,734 miles on the clock at the time of sale. The Hoffmans kept the car for about three years, driving just under 2,000 miles but spending well over a dollar a mile in maintenance costs alone according to records on file. The next owner, John Schwartz of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, would keep the car a good deal longer, selling it to the current owner after a quarter of a century in his care.
The seller has been a careful custodian of this largely original machine, regularly maintaining the car with the most recent major service being a $8,669 mechanical overhaul in February of 2022. Both driver and passenger are greeted by a richly appointed, authentically restored cockpit. The original MB Tex seats and door cards show nicely while both occupants ride in comfort thanks to original Frigiking A/C (which was serviced in 2022) and Becker Mexico cassette radio providing the niceties one expects in a refined, grand-touring convertible. Nicely finished gauges, restored woodwork, and dark gray loop carpeting round out the cabin.
Complete with both its black soft top and color-matched hard top for the classic 'Pagoda' look, this swift grand tourer includes original books, manuals, a copy of the data card, and service records going back 33 years. Between its preserved condition, renowned mechanical refinement, and fine interior appointments, this 280SL is perfect for any cruise, drive, or show.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the interior woodwork on this Mercedes-Benz is original and unrestored. Paintwork appears to be largely original but prospective bidders are encouraged to review the photos on the website, request a photo condition report, or preview the car in person.
Additional information
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