1969 MERCEDES BENZ 280SL

1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
Sold for US$ 51,700 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. 113.044-10-009469
2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Fitted with the rare and desirable ZF manual transmission
*Fitted with both hard 'Pagoda' top and folding soft top
*Delivered new to the United States
*The most sporting iteration of the W113
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL
In the Spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL- The 230SL. The 230SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language, featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. The 230 SL was fitted with a prominent three-pointed star in its grill as a reference to the already iconic 300SL. To save on weight, the hood, door skins, trunk lid, and tonneau cover are all composed of aluminum. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered a masterpiece of design.
In 1967, Mercedes introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280SL. The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis with a rear swing axle and independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power came from a 2.8-liter version of Mercedes' robust inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection- a combination producing 160 horsepower in US-market variants, which had to be modified slightly to comply with emissions standards. To compensate, the rear-end ratios were changed in these US-market cars to offer greater low-end acceleration.
While the 280SL did not offer the performance of the 300SL, it is a very charming model with capable handling and braking thanks to its suspension and all-wheel disc brakes. These roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s and thanks to their robust inline-6 and luxurious Mercedes interior are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Produced in March of 1969, this White 280SL was one of only a handful of US-market cars to feature the manual 4-speed transmission. By the introduction of the 280, the vast majority of SLs imported into the US were fitted with an automatic gearbox, making these three-pedal cars quite desirable.
This example is a longtime resident of Oregon having been in a single Portland family's garage for the past two decades. Finished in its original color of white with black leather, black soft-top, and optional 'Pagoda' hardtop in black (originally white), the car was repainted about a decade ago. The paint and interior are in very nice condition and the mechanical systems are reported to be in good order. In 2013, the black convertible top was replaced.
This striking 280SL with the desirable manual transmission option and hardtop offers a great opportunity to acquire one of Mercedes' most iconic models.
Robert Myrick Photography