Fantasy Junction

Description

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
s/n 11304412021718
White with Burgundy Interior

Introduced to replace both the exotic 300SL and the pretty if leisurely 190SL, the R113 generation of the SL split the difference between the two outgoing cars while embodying the traditional Mercedes-Benz value of craftsmanship and engineering. 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. Continuously developed during its production run, the R113 was available first as the 230SL, then as the 250SL, and finally as the 280SL. The cars were popular and sold well, and continue to be recognized as elegant, robust, and usable classics, with the ultimate version, the 280SL, being the most desirable version of the car, with its more powerful engine and all around disc brakes.

This particular car is a late-production low mileage example. It is essentially a two-owner example, having been kept by the same woman from new until her death. Her son owned the car an additional ten years until its current owner acquired it in 2011. Sold new in Texas, the car was relocated to Carmel, California, where the owner retired, likely in the mid 1980s. According to the car’s owner, a knowledgeable Mercedes specialist, it is extremely original other than one respray in the original color. The jambs and inside of the hood were not repainted. The owner reports that the car has covered just 46,000 miles from new and that interior is original. Certainly the condition of the interior supports the low indicated mileage. The car has been continuously maintained and has recently had new tires, a service, and the air conditioning system charged.

The car presents extremely well, and has an honest presentation that reflects its largely undisturbed and original nature. The body fit and gaps are excellent, and the panels are extremely straight and solid. The telltale ridges on the fenders between the headlamp bezels and the grille aperture are still in evidence. The hard top has never been repainted and remains very nice, and the car’s current owner removed the headlamps to discover the original crayon markings from the factory inside the headlamp buckets. The owner reports that the insides of the bumpers contain these markings a well. The paintwork was done to very good standards and is in fine shape with only a few small blemishes around the car. The chrome is reported to be original and is excellent considering this, with only light pitting in evidence. The glass and lights are generally excellent, save for an area of delamination at the bottom of the windscreen.

The interior is in wonderful original shape, with superb upholstery and excellent carpets. The car is equipped with a white steering wheel, Becker Europa radio, and Frigiking air conditioning, which blows cold. The instruments and trim are in nice shape, with some minor deterioration to chrome, but strong overall presentation. The wood is original and presentable but with patina, and the original Mercedes seatbelts are still in place. The seat upholstery is original, although the horsehair pads inside were recently restored. The top is original and quite nice considering this, showing some fading,

The engine compartment is quite original and correct, although not detailed. As a late production example, this car is fitted with a plastic radiator expansion tank. The trunk is extremely nice, with original trunk mat in excellent condition, as well as original spare tire cover. The trunk floor is superb, and the car has its tool roll and complete manual pack, including roadster top supplement. The seller reports that the trunk seal is date coded as original to the car.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a late production 280SL with unusually high integrity and excellent history. In the care of the same family from new until 2011, the car has always been in a mild climate has been sparingly used, resulting in its low mileage of just 46,000. Largely original besides the paint, the car is wonderfully well-preserved and complete with tools and books. It has been recently serviced and is ready to enjoy.

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