Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
s/n 11304410012217, Engine no. 130983-10-004759
Silver with Black Leather

After more than a century of superb automotive craftsmanship, Mercedes-Benz continues to be heralded as one of the premier automobile innovators, delivering vehicles of superior performance and optimum luxury. During the 1950s, decades of racing achievement and luxury refinement matured dramatically as US market growth encouraged new models, further endearing the brand to new and dedicated customers.

The mid 60s proved to be a rapidly changing time for sports cars. The budding 230SL was slated to replace both the 190SL and the iconic 300SL – an ominous task as the 300SL was a performance brute, but the 190, was nearly the opposite. The 230SL delivered perfectly, proving immediately appealing to customers seeking a charming and sporty car with clean styling and captivating details, but also offering spirited performance. The clarity and simplicity of design continued under the hood with technical advancements including Bosch fuel-injection, overhead-cam six cylinder engine, and syncromesh transmission, all of which delivered reliable performance. A convertible top, and substantial trunk space allowed for elegant presence and practical traveling, even over long distances. Among the many features offered in the car, several innovative safety aspects were incorporated into the unique body design including being the first sports car with a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones, industry standard today, but thoroughly new for a sports car in 1963.

This wonderful 1970 280SL represents the culmination of years of development and refinement of this iconic series Mercedes-Benz. The most notable improvement being the upgraded 2.8L engine delivering 170hp. Originally built in August 1969, with options including Frigiking A/C, US specifications, Left side exterior mirror, and Becker Gran Prix radio. The silver over black car was delivered to Phil Smart Mercedes-Benz in Seattle, Washington, and sold new to James P. Crooke of Seattle, WA on October 13, 1969. Four days later with just 869 miles the first of many documented services is performed at Phil Smart, stamped and initialed in the original service booklet included with the car. In 1972 the car was sold to the second owner, a Kirkland, Washington resident, who continued to enter the service record book along with other information up until 1986 when the car had logged 121,163 miles. The car remained in the Seattle area until the current owner purchased it in 1999 and imported it to Canada, BC. During his ownership the car was properly cared for including completely stripped to bare metal and repainted in factory correct silver in 2004. At this time a new top was fitted and the chrome was redone along with a white steering wheel installed (original black one comes with the car). Recently, $1,800.00 in service work was performed on the car including new points, adjusting the throttle linkage and fuel mixture, and adjusting the dwell and timing. Both front brake hoses were replaced, new pads, a new left front caliper was, and new exhaust hangers were installed.

Today the car presents as a very nice combination of original and partially restored example of a high quality driver 280SL with great options. The paint is in very nice condition overall with high gloss and quality finishing in all areas. The paint was applied with care to all inner surfaces, edges, corners, and trim, tending nicely to areas under the hood and the cowl insulation pad. Critically important on these cars are the original fenders and hood, particularly evidenced by the spot welds revealed in these areas. Here, the original front fenders and the area inside the grille under the hood show their correct factory spot-welds. Further validating the original front fenders, the inside front fender ridges are evident and crisp on both sides. The doors shut very well and retain good panel gaps. The hood and trunk also exhibit tight fit and closure. The chrome throughout is in very good condition, with nice luster and clean, bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition with no significant chips or marks on the beautiful windshield. The black canvas convertible top is nicely tailored with a clear and taut rear window with excellent top bow tailoring and fabric welting on the underside of the top. The car comes with the distinctive “Pagoda Roof” hardtop, which is painted silver to match the car. The white headliner is in good original condition showing some yellowing at the windshield header and along the edges. The exterior presentation overall is handsome, with proper stance, smooth bodylines and a nicely finished set of cast wheels.

The interior, a Mercedes-Benz hallmark of quality materials and fine finishes, echoes throughout the cabin. The dash is nicely preserved with very clean instruments and recently redone wood trim. Of particular note is the Frigiking A/C unit (which blows, but not particularly cold) and is nicely detailed underneath the dashboard. The interior shows slight bagginess in the door panels, some wear in the headrests, and lightly used carpeting. Drivable and enjoyable for regular use, the interior is particularly delightful in the contrasting color against the vivid silver paint.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed and properly presented with correct parts, factory components, and updated lines, hoses, and electrical as needed, however not detailed to show standards. The trunk is clean and nicely finished with quality materials and very nice carpeting.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly, having been thoughtfully used over recent years and recently serviced. Driving manners are as expected for a nice solid example with a smooth gearbox and responsive clutch pedal. The ride engineering, disc brakes, and responsive suspension create a nice balance and composed power delivery for two occupants, with plenty of luggage space for refined touring. The floor pan, trunk floor, and undercarriage appear solid and straight, showing evidence of general but careful use. The car is offered with a complete set of factory owner’s books, reference manuals, jacking equipment, a host of previous service records, and the original black steering wheel.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a driver ready 280SL. Finished in great colors with optional A/C, this handsome and iconic car is ready for enjoyable driving, touring with a friend, or overnight adventures. With a few suitcases safely stored and the top down, this 280SL will eagerly consume highways or side roads, leading to new discoveries and joys that only a classic Mercedes-Benz can deliver.

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