LOT 23
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Design by Paul Bracq Chassis no. 113044.12.012219 Engine no. 130983.12.007772
Sold for US$128,800 inc. premium
Lot 23
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Design by Paul Bracq
Chassis no. 113044.12.012219
Engine no. 130983.12.007772
Design by Paul Bracq
Chassis no. 113044.12.012219
Engine no. 130983.12.007772
2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension, Rear Swing Axle, Coil Springs
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Gorgeous color scheme of White over Blue interior
*Subject to a nut and bolt restoration by veteran Mercedes mechanic
*Fitted with both 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Delivered new to California
*Matching numbers engine per included Mercedes data card
THE MERCEDES-BENZ W113 SERIES
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, the 230SL – internally known as the W113 – was a completely new car through and through, designed to replace the outgoing 190SL. A truly modern car for its time and constructed to the high level of craftsmanship expected from Mercedes-Benz, the model quickly found favor among the elite for its luxury and high style. Mercedes-Benz would call the W113 "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort." Many of the design and technical features were industry firsts, including the hard-top designed to withstand the car's weight for safety reasons, and the roof's distinct concave shape led to the model's popular nickname, the 'Pagoda'.
After the 230SL came the 250SL, which boosted engine capacity by about 200cc over its predecessor; later, both were replaced by the ultimate evolution of the W113, the 280SL, introduced in 1967. The enlarged 2.8-liter 6-cylinder SOHC engine now produced 170 horsepower, and disc brakes were now standard on all four corners. These last classic Pagoda models have become increasingly collectible, featuring exceptional build quality and reliability, easy access to spare parts, not to mention being highly usable thanks to their modern specifications.
THE CAR OFFERED
Manufactured in Stuttgart in August of 1969, this Mercedes 280SL was destined for its first owner in Southern California. Purchased new in Hollywood by a local doctor, the car was driven and enjoyed, showing services performed at an authorized Mercedes dealer in Beverly Hills in 1976. After trading hands, the car was found years later, still in California, by a veteran Mercedes mechanic and enthusiast who purchased it for himself, and from approximately 2011-2014, he undertook a comprehensive, highly detailed restoration. The owner's enthusiasm and skill are on full display, and the Pagoda is beautifully finished in White over Blue MB-Tex interior, a wonderful combination that suits the lines quite well.
During the restoration, the body was disassembled and stripped, prepared for paint, and refinished to high standards. The suspension and drivetrain were also removed, rebuilt, and meticulously detailed prior to installation. As part of the engine restoration, a new cylinder head was installed on the rebuilt, numbers-matching original block. Additionally, the transmission was rebuilt, and the rear axle upgraded with taller gearing to improve the driving experience.
Blue MB Tex features in the fully restored cabin along with new square-weave carpets, and refurbished dash components. A custom, factory-style air conditioning unit was installed and is said to work exceptionally well, making this an ideal all-rounder even in warm climates. The interior wood was replaced with a specially selected design, and the car includes the matching hard top and a blue canvas soft top. Rounding out the interior is a period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM radio.
Attractively appointed with 14-inch chrome finish Bundt wheels, this Pagoda has a wonderful presence, and is beautifully presented inside, out, and underneath. Included in the sale are extensive restoration receipts, a copy of the Mercedes data card as well as the Mercedes 113 blue book. Showing 75,646 miles at the time of cataloging, which is believed to be true, this fastidiously restored, matching numbers W113 Pagoda would be an outstanding addition to any collection.
Additional information
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