1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
The SL of the model, known internally as W113, was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 and for safety, hard edges of the interior were removed and replaced with more rounded surfaces. This went along with the car's rigid passenger cell inherited from previous models. The 280 was the third and final iteration of the W113. Along with the sealed beam headlight, U.S. spec models have some subtle differences to the European cars.
For consignment, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL convertible with a title verified 77,092 actual miles, two tops and the hard top rack and cover. Though originally designed as a sports car, it also had the dual purpose of providing a "high degree of comfort" as Mercedes' Technical Director phrased it in 1963.
Exterior
The warm tones of Beige paint fit the comfort side of the car and hides the sporty nature that perhaps red paint would denote. Its business like presence is matched by the attractive body lines of the car with rounded front fenders that flow from the round headlights that raise above the hood and flank a wide grille with a sizable Mercedes star. Chrome bumperettes are part of the U.S. spec and ride on nicely chromed bumpers, split in the back, under horizontal tail lights that would include amber turn signals later in 1969. Also in back, twin chrome tipped tailpipes extend past the bumper in more of a sports car manner. The chocolate brown canvas top is a wonderful complement to the beige and its plastic rear window is crystal clear. 14-inch wheel covers are painted to match the body and wear 185/70R14 tires. The paint, lenses, emblems, and metalwork are spectacular on the car and we could not find any exterior imperfections.
Interior
Comfort begins with leather and leather begins on the door panels in saddle colored smooth application with robust but smaller hardware. The low back pleated leather bucket seats are thick with cushioning and in wonderful shape. An ivory steering wheel greets the driver with just a touch of patina and fronts a stunning dashboard in saddle leather and beige with a prominent cushioned dash pad. The speedometer goes to 140 mph and is on the opposite side of a square gauge cluster where the tachometer serves as the bookend on the other side. A Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette radio is in the center, offering a bit of black contrast next to an analog clock and below A/C levers. The straight shifter rises from the center hump that's covered in tan Berber carpet that is carried over to the floor, the footwells, the backs of the seat, and the package area behind the seats.
Drivetrain
While the engine bay is not as showy as the rest of the car, it's certainly clean. That's where we find the 2.8 liter SOHC inline six cylinder powerplant rated at an impressive 168 horsepower. It has Bosch fuel injection and a 4-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle with 4.08 gears. Power disc brakes are supplied on this grand touring sports car to reign in some of those 168 horses.
Undercarriage
Overall very clean underneath with evidence of a car that's been driven. The knuckle and other steering components as well as wheel components are free of grease. We note a few drops of oil on the pan and transmission. Dual exhaust runs in tandem the length of the car and enters a stainless steel muffler before exiting as noted. Coil spring suspension makes up the independent units on front and back.
Drive-Ability
I left my ascot and loafers at home, but just being wrapped in this car makes you feel classy. It's elegant, streamlined, somewhat compact, and with 4.08 gears, pretty quick to get out to our test loop. The SL's have that unique boxy stance, square, and surefooted. As a result, it handles well and feels good in the hand. This well sorted car enjoys complete functionality, everything that is supposed to operate does. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
It's obvious by now, this is a collector grade vintage Mercedes-Benz that is a joy to drive and equally as nice to look at. Whether it's Beverly Hills or Hillsborough, New Jersey or anywhere in between, this car is going to grace the streets that it rolls down. Inquire within as they say, and contact our Car Specialists with your intentions, good people.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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