1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster

·      Finished in beautiful Hellblau Metallic (DB 906)

·      The premier M-B luxury sport touring roadster of its day

·      Full frame-off restoration in Germany

The Mercedes-Benz W113, which included models 230SL, 250SL and the 280SL, was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show as an all-new, up-to-date luxury sports touring car. The lead designers were Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, who created its optional distinctive, patented, slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the “Pagoda” nickname. Beyond the larger engine of its predecessor 190SL, the W113 was also the first Mercedes-Benz to feature an automatic transmission on a sporting automobile and offer a simple fluid coupling instead of a torque converter.

The 280SL configuration introduced the new M130 engine with 2,778 cubic centimeters and 180 horsepower. The M130 marked the final evolution in Mercedes-Benz’s venerable SOHC M180 inline-six. The new 280 SL also included rear disc brakes as standard, an energy-absorbing steering column, and removable top latch handles for the windshield header. Its production spanned eight model years, with the final, and most popular, version producing 23,885 units from 1967 to 1971. Today, we value these Roadsters for their well-rounded drivability and their role in the evolution of Mercedes-Benz two-seaters.

This original Southern California-delivered car received a rotisserie restoration in Germany. Its exterior is finished in its original color of Hellblau Metallic (DB 906), and it features a contrasting Parchment leather interior. It is perfect for touring, as it also features the four-speed automatic transmission, owner’s booklets, and tool kit, along with the removable signature pagoda hardtop and contrasting blue canvas top. Of course, during the restoration, the original engine was fully rebuilt, bringing the car to show standards.

Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson described the 280SL as one of the cars from the 1960s that has stood the test of time, being “from a time when Mercedes was still building its cars properly.” In March 2008, London’s Daily Telegraph named the 280SL as one of “The 100 Most Beautiful Cars of All Time.”

Specifications

Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive

Engine: M130 2,778 cc OHC inline 6-cylinder engine

Horsepower: 180 hp

Transmission: 4-speed automatic