Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Fort
Lauderdale event, 6 - 7 April 2018.
Estimates:
$60,000 - $80,000
Offered from single ownership since 1989Desirable four-speed
transmission, air conditioning, and hardtop/soft topFewer than
82,000 original milesWonderful color combination
In 1963, Mercedes-Benz ended production of its two sporting
roadsters, the expensive high-performance 300 SL and the affordable
190 SL suitable for weekend cruising. The 230 SL on the new W113
roadster chassis that replaced them was an attractive compromise of
performance and affordability. With its tradition-breaking lines
penned by designer and artist Paul Bracq, the car was an obvious
choice for films like Two for the Road with Audrey Hepburn and
Albert Finney. The light and airy detachable hardtop, with its
concave roof, was the source of the "Pagoda" nickname for the W113
roadsters.
The 230 SL was well received, but its performance was a bit
disappointing due to the limited power of its 2.3-liter engine.
Without changing the design, it was replaced in 1967 with the
interim 250 SL, and then in 1968 by the more powerful 2.8-liter
inline six-cylinder engine. The 280 SL would stay in production for
three years before it was replaced by the R107-chassis 350 SL.
The current owner, a longtime enthusiast, had long wanted a 280 SL
but sought one with the desirable four-speed manual transmission.
He eventually found the car offered here, purchasing it in 1989
from a seller in Oxnard, California, and has now owned it for
nearly 30 years. Minor repairs to the ignition and trim were
completed in 2000, with receipts on file along with an original
owner's manual. Aside from minor wear to the original, lovingly
patinaed MB-Tex interior and the newer top, it presents very
nicely, for continued driving exercise and enjoyment.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/FL18.
