Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280SL less than a year after the 250SL arrived on the scene and closed out the “pagoda” SL line in 1971. The 280 was very similar to its predecessor, using clean, elegant lines, intelligent placement of the wheels in proportion to the rest of the design, and a tall, “pagoda” removable hard top that allowed for ease of ingress and egress.
Like the other W113 cars, the 280 utilized a monocoque chassis, with front suspension courtesy of coils and wishbones, while the rear incorporated a single-pivot swing axle and transverse springs set up to compensate for camber. Four-wheel discs provided braking power.
The engine was a 2.8-liter, overhead-cam, inline-6. Bosch fuel injection was incorporated as well, and horsepower on the sport tourer was rated at 180 – a fair bit more than the 230 and 250 had access to. Torque was also higher at 177 ft-lb. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, though a new 4-speed automatic transmission was optional, cabin refinement was high, with acres of leather, plush, supportive seats, big, readable gauges, Blaupunkt radios, and a quality of craftsmanship throughout, including the soft top, which disappeared easily and unobtrusively when not in use. New safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column and three-point seatbelts, while side marker lights are the biggest external visual difference between the 250 and 280.
By the time the 280SL gave way to the next generation SL, designated the R107, it had firmly established itself as one of the finest cars to come from the Stuttgart firm. With timeless, graceful styling, spirited performance and handling, and build quality and reliability second to none, the SL series of cars built from 1963 to 1971 are solid collectibles with plenty to offer.
This exceptional 2-owner Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible was built on August 21 of 1969. It is finished in the desirable Mercedes-Benz color combination of Anthracite Grey Metallic with Black leather interior. It has a black German Canvas top with the matching Anthracite Grey Metallic Hardtop (the original hardtop to this car 4663) which is also in exceptional condition. The “Pagoda” SL presented is a matching numbers example as per the Mercedes-Benz Data Card with extensive history going back to the late 1970s. The previous owner we purchased this car from was the owner for the past 10 years. He purchased this Mercedes 280SL from the ownership which spanned 45 years. The invoices included go back to 1980 on this special car with extensive work completed. Some of the more recent work includes but not limited to Dry Ice Cleaning of the underside and wheel wells, new Coker white line tires, front, rear bumpers and overriders replated and new rear center mount. In addition, the previous owner had the seat covers installed, door panels, carpeting and a new complete wood trim set kit installed.
This SL runs and drives perfectly. The automatic transmission goes into to gear nicely without any jolts or noises. Furthermore, the gear shifting and downshifting itself with the automatic transmission when driving at speed is smooth. The brakes stop great and there is pull in either direction. Also, the acceleration is so incredibly smooth, and the car has plenty of power to keep up with modern traffic. This Mercedes handles superbly and is just a wonderful overall car to drive anywhere and at any speed. The compression across all 6 cylinders is excellent of 165psi to 175psi. It holds low engine temperature and the oil pressure is perfect as well. The air conditioning blows very cold as can be seen by the temperature gauge in the gallery pictures. The power steeering feels great and without any noises or leaks. Everything in the car works as it should.
There is no rust on the car. We had the car dry ice cleaned on the underside and wheel wells which took off the aftermarket black undercoating to show the original Wurth undercoating. The original undercoating is in excellent overall condition free of any patches, accident repair, poor welds or rust. Furthermore, the original factory markings are still present on all the suspension, trailing arms, springs etc. These are all very difficult to find as most of these cars have patch panels, undercoating to hide rust or poor repairs and replacement pieces from accidents. Also, the trunk which is a common area for rust is clean, solid and original. Nevertheless, this Mercedes-Benz 280SL has the original fender notches near the headlamps and spot welds on both sides of the engine compartment.
This is a special overall car and one of the nicer Mercedes 280SL cars offered today. It has extensive history and has been extremely well maintained for all its life. Lastly it is an incredibly great driving car and in arguably finished in the most desirable color offered by Mercedes-Benz on the 113 or 280SL cars. These are wonderful investment cars which have been underappreciated and undervalued for years.
