Single-Owner 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 marked the debut of the Type 230 SL, a significant sports car from Daimler-Benz designed to replace the popular 190 SL and legendary 300 SL. This new model faced the challenge of uniting two distinct design philosophies while maintaining a common identity. The 230 SL, internally designated W113, emerged as a versatile two-seater GT, blending performance with comfort and safety. 

It was the first sports car featuring a safety body, incorporating a rigid passenger cell and deformation zones at the front and rear, based on Béla Barényi’s innovative principles. The optional, distinctive removable hard top, with its concave shape, not only added an avantgarde aesthetic but also enhanced the car's structural integrity and visibility while earning it the “pagoda” nickname. 

In 1967, the 250 SL succeeded the 230 SL, maintaining the iconic exterior while enhancing mechanical aspects. The engine's displacement increased by 200 cc, boosting torque and performance, while upgrades to the braking system improved safety and handling. By 1968, the 280 SL was introduced, featuring a more powerful 2.8-liter engine that delivered an additional 20 hp over the 250 SL. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish, this is a true “special-occasion” sports car and with the top down on a sunny day, one of life’s finest automotive experiences. 

Highlights 

• Offered for the first time in 55 years by its original owner 

• Finished in Off White (DB717) with a blue vinyl interior as factory delivered 

• Powered by the 2.8-liter “M130” inline-six, factory rated at 170 horsepower 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Blue folding convertible soft top 

• An abundance of receipts from work carried out by Southern California specialist shops indicates diligent service and restoration work carried out in the past three decades. Highlights include the cylinder head as well as bottom-end of the engine being rebuild with new bearings and seals by Camino Import Auto Service Inc of San Juan Capistrano, CA between 2010 and 2012. A repaint in the original color was carried out in 1998 by Ratical Automotive of San Clemente, CA, and the interior trim and carpets appear to have been professionally reupholstered in correct materials as well. 

Features 

• Rarely seen third auxiliary sideways facing seat  

• Bucket seats 

• Three-point seat belts 

• Four-wheel power disc brakes 

• Independent front suspension 

• Door mounted map pockets 

• Power steering 

• Dash mounted clock 

• Lockable glove compartment 

• Glove compartment light 

• Dual zone heater 

• Manual roll-up windows 

• Door mounted armrests 

• Dash mounted clock 

Known Imperfections 

• Driver side sun visor missing 

• Damaged wood trim at corner below windshield driver side 

• Small tears in convertible top 

• Inoperative odometer 

• Cracks in the steering wheel and the hub pad 

Included 

• Service records 

• Original California black and yellow license plates 

• Spare set of keys 

• Spare wheel 

• Jack 

• Wheel chock 

Ownership History 

As a highly anticipated Christmas present, the current owner and her late husband purchased this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL brand new from Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood, California on 23 December 1968, as noted on the original purchase order. The car has remained with them in Southern California ever since.  

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Jakob Greisen  Phone: 415.480.9028  email: jgreisen@hagerty.com