1969-Mercedes-Benz-280SL

Description

1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
s/n 11304412004754
Weissgrau and Black with Black Interior

Representing Mercedes-Benz’s trend towards producing more usable and practical sports cars, the 230/250/280SL line was meant to replace both the 190SL and the illustrious 300SL. The car was a comfortable two-seater that was to be neither too big nor too expensive, and exhibited excellent roadholding thanks to the innovative and sophisticated rear suspension design. Built to Mercedes’ usually high standards and employing excellent visibility, the cars were popular and sold well. The cars were continuously developed, with the 280SL being the ultimate version of the car, with its larger more powerful engine and all around disc brakes.

This particular car belonged to the same woman in Santa Barbara, California for many years before being acquired by its current owner about ten years ago. It has been repainted in its original two tone color combination of weissgrau (white grey) and black and has seen considerable freshening by its current owner, including valve adjustment, refinished wood, rechromed tail light surrounds, new Michelin tires, detailed engine compartment, new firewall heat pad, brake service, and new windscreen. The current owner has used the car on several events including the Mountain Mille and New England 1000 and reports the car to be reliable and enjoyable to drive. It has both tops and is equipped with air conditioning and automatic transmission.

The car is in very nice cosmetic condition. The body is straight and solid with great fit and gaps. It was repainted to high standards and the paint shows no significant wear or deterioration. The chrome varies from good to excellent, with very nice chrome on the bumpers, grille surround, and rear fascia. The chrome on the window trims, door handles, and side mirrors has some pitting. The chrome on the hubcaps is somewhat dull as well, although the paint on the hubcaps is excellent. The glass and lights are excellent throughout.

The interior appears to be substantially unrestored and is excellent considering this. The original carpets and MB Tex upholstery are in superb original condition. The gauges and dashboard are also unrestored and excellent. The car also retains its period Kangol safety belts. The wood has been correctly refinished in semigloss finish rather than the high gloss piano type finish that is often incorrectly applied to Mercedes of this period. The car is fitted with a desirable Becker Europa pinstripe radio as well as Behr air conditioning. The visors appear as new and the headliner of the hardtop is in very nice original condition, as are the door panels.

The engine compartment has seen recent detailing work but has not been restored in its entirety. The intake manifold, valve cover, and most of the fuel hoses and throttle linkage have been refinished or replaced and are like new. Other areas such as the inner fenders are intact but not freshly restored. The trunk is correct in appearance with grey rubber mat and spare tire cover. The floor under the mat is solid and free of visible corrosion at this time.

The car runs and drives well. The engine starts easily, has strong oil pressure as Mercedes engines of this period should, and runs well. The transmission shifts crisply, the brakes have good initial bite and stop the car authoritatively. The steering and suspension are tight and the car rides well.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an attractive 280SL that has proven to be a reliable event car, making this an ideal driver for someone seeking a car with strong presentation to use regularly. It has been well-maintained, is finished in its period original color combination, and retains its lovely original interior. It is desirably optioned with Behr air conditioning, hard top, and Becker Europa radio.