Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
s/n 113.044-12-002786
Papyrus White with Cognac Leather 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 with 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 disc brakes all around.

This particular car has belonged to a collector in Southern California and seen extensive restoration work including new interior, new paint in its original color, and new chrome. It was factory fitted with automatic transmission and power steering and was originally supplied for sale in Germany. It is cosmetically attractive and also runs and drives well. Invoices included with the car show over $16,000 spent on the interior alone, which included new weather stripping, window seals, trim, steering wheel, switches, door sill trim in addition to carpet, upholstery, and new convertible top.

The car makes a strong cosmetic impression, with glossy paint over straight panels. The fender notches adjacent to the headlamp trim rings are both present. The panel fit is generally good, although the leading edge of the front deck lid is slightly high and the right door sits slightly proud at the trailing edge. The chrome is generally excellent, with a few minor surface scratches in selected areas but certainly nothing worth redoing. The lights and glass are excellent, and the hard top was restored to the same standards as the rest of the car.

The interior is excellent with high quality workmanship and materials, including the carpets and upholstery on the seats, dashboard, and door panels. The wood is excellent and freshly restored in appearance aside from a single hairline crack ahead of the instrument binnacle. The car is equipped with period pinstripe Becker Mexico cassette player. The chrome, gauges, and dashboard fascia are all in excellent shape and the steering wheel pad and emblem are excellent. There are a few small hairline cracks to the steering wheel rim.

The engine compartment is very clean although some of the metal components have been painted where they should be cadmium plated. The structure appears to be generally good, although inspection of the left front fender shows that it has been replaced at some point, although this evidence is visible only when inspecting it with the hood up. The firewall heat pad is in excellent shape and the car is fitted with genuine Mercedes battery. The trunk looks as it should, with correct rubber mat and spare tire cover. Close inspection reveals some waviness to the trunk floor and inner panel (where the trunk latch resides), suggesting the car was hit from behind at some point. This evidence is visible only when the trunk lid is open.

The car runs and drives well. It starts easily and the fuel-injection is properly set up with good responsiveness and clean fueling throughout the rev range. The transmission shifts smoothly (other than down into first when stopping where there is a characteristic bump) and is responsive. The brakes are effective with good bite and symmetrical operation. The steering is tight and precise, as are the chassis and suspension.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive 280SL that retains the charm of the early cars, with the more 1960s style door panels and quaint transmission pattern with Park at the rear. Certainly a car that looks stunning to the average passerby, the car has had some repairs in the past, but is nevertheless glossy and runs and drives great, making it an ideal car to drive with abandon, whether its for the occasional pleasure drive, an adventurous commute, or for tours. The hardtop further enhances the car’s usability and practicality.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608