32-Years-Owned 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 4-Speed

Description

The 1969 Mercedes‑Benz 280SL represented the final development stage of the Mercedes W113 “Pagoda” series, produced from 1963 to 1971. Introduced in 1967, the 280SL improved upon the earlier 230SL and 250SL by offering more performance through its 2.8L M130 inline‑six, equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection.

Styled by Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, the W113 has long been celebrated for its clean proportions and its distinctive concave hardtop, a patented design that earned the model its “Pagoda” nickname. The 280SL continued Mercedes’ emphasis on advanced engineering with a steel unibody, independent suspension, power‑assisted disc brakes, and road manners that blended sporting character with touring comfort.

This 1969 Mercedes‑Benz 280SL is finished in Off‑White with a color‑matched hardtop, and features include a blue convertible soft top, blue MB-Tex vinyl upholstery, power steering, air conditioning, and a four‑speed manual transmission.

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is now offered on behalf of the current owner with a Mercedes-Benz Classic certificate, partial service records dating to 1973, a tool roll, service manuals, and a clean Texas title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights

• Two‑seat roadster body with color-matched removable “Pagoda” hardtop

• Finished in Off-White (DB717) paint with blue vinyl (DB135) upholstery

• Factory optioned power steering; option code 422

• Long-term 33-year current owner

• Service records (1973-present)

Factory Equipment

• 2.8L M130 inline‑six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection

• Four-speed manual transmission

• Independent front and rear suspension

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

• 14-inch steel wheels with color-matched hubcaps

• Manually‑operated soft top

• Heat‑insulating glass

• Becker AM/FM radio

• Air conditioning system

• Heater

Modifications

• 2019: Refurbished the factory radio with Bluetooth capability.

Servicing & Documentation

• August 2023: Replaced the fuel pump and soft hoses

• April 2022: Flushed the brake fluid

• May 2021: Replaced the front and rear shock absorbers

• October 2019: Converted the air conditioning to R134a

• April 2016: Various fluids flushed

• 185/70R14 Michelin tires with 2019 date codes

• Service records (1973-present)

Known Imperfections

• The seller states that “there is a small chip in the windshield that has been sealed”

• Loose carpet by the clutch pedal

Ownership History

This 1969 Mercedes‑Benz 280SL was purchased by the seller’s father in August 1993 and is offered with a substantial history file, including records dating back to 1973 when the car was sold through Westwood Porsche‑Audi in Santa Monica, California.

Included Items

• Mercedes-Benz Classic certificate

• Service records (1973-present)

• Factory owner’s manual

• Service manuals

• Jack and tools in a roll

• Spare wheel

Additional Information

From the seller, “My old man has owned some pretty interesting cars over the years - 1989 Lamborghini Countach, 1954 Jaguar XK, Lotus, etc., but THIS is his baby. He just can't drive anymore... I think my daughter is more upset than anyone right now, but she's in high school, so it's a little out of her price range!”