Vehicle Description
As the 300SL and 190SL production ended in the early 1960s,
Mercedes-Benz consolidated the SL sports car concept into a single
line. The 300SL was already a legend, but it was complex and
expensive to produce. The 190SL was high on style but lacked the
performance to challenge more sporting competitors. When launched
in 1963, the new W113 series aimed to blend style, sophistication,
and performance at a more reasonable price point. Like the 190SL
before it, the new 230SL chassis shared standard components with
the contemporary sedan line to keep production costs in check.
Mercedes-Benz's design team, led by the brilliant Paul Bracq,
created a crisp, minimally-adorned monocoque body with exquisite
detailing. From day one, the W113 was designed with a removable
hardtop, to which Bracq added a subtle concave top panel, earning
it the nickname "Pagoda." Upon introduction, the new SL was a
sports car like no other on the market, combining the open-air
experience of a traditional roadster with the insulated comfort and
practicality of a continental GT cruiser. It boasted a spacious,
comfortable cockpit, capacious boot, was built to Mercedes typical
vault-like quality, and delivered impressive performance in a
refined and understated package. The final evolution of the W113
arrived in 1968 with the 2.8-liter 280SL. While the 280SL is less
aggressive than some of its competitors, it is surprisingly capable
when the going gets twisty, thanks to a finely tuned independent
front/swing-axle rear suspension. The robust Bosch-injected
overhead-cam inline-six produced ample torque, and while the vast
majority of cars left the factory gates equipped with a four-speed
automatic, a 4-speed manual was optional, providing a sporty edge
to the SL's relaxed GT-like demeanor. Beautifully refined and with
build quality that only a Mercedes-Benz can boast, the 280SL is a
lively and enjoyable sports car that effortlessly plays the role of
a sophisticated grand tourer. This superb Pagoda Roadster is one of
the best examples we've had the pleasure to offer, benefitting from
a highly detailed, nut-and-bolt restoration performed by SL
Classics in D�ren, Germany. According to the accompanying Data
Card, this car retains its original, matching-numbers engine and is
equipped from new with the rare and desirable four-speed manual
gearbox. Starting with an excellent original car as a basis, the
skilled technicians at SL Classics stripped it down completely,
coating the shell and all body panels in KTL anti-corrosive coating
before refinishing it to better-than-new standards in the original
shade of DB350 Mittelblau. The blue paintwork is pleasingly
accented a gray-beige painted hardtop, repeating on the wheel
covers. Every piece of brightwork and trim is new or restored to
perfection, and the car is properly equipped with European
headlamps. The cabin is trimmed in beautiful parchment leather,
accented with dark blue square-weave carpets and seatbacks. As with
the body, the interior is meticulously restored to factory-fresh
standards, using only the finest parts and period-correct
materials. The dark blue Sonnendeck canvas roof is superb and fits
precisely. Details include a factory VDO clock, Becker Grand Prix
radio, and authentically detailed boot. The car has only seen
moderate use since the restoration, and the cabin remains fresh and
crisply presented. Restoration photos reveal that SL Classics
rebuilt all mechanical components, including the engine, 4-speed
manual gearbox, and rear differential, which were assembled and
detailed to exacting factory standards. Every nut, bolt, and
fastener is correctly restored in yellow zinc-chromate plating, and
the engine bay is highly detailed with proper finishes, decals, and
ancillaries. The undercarriage is fully protected with textured
Schutz undercoating as original and fully painted in body color to
a high standard. Suspension components are beautifully refinished
in satin black and affixed with restored hardware. The car has seen
occasional use since the 2015 restoration and remains exceptionally
clean underneath. Extensive restoration photos, a specially
produced hardbound book documenting the car's transformation, and
the original tool roll accompany the sale. With its desirable
specification, beautiful color combination, and stunning
restoration by a renowned marque specialist, this exquisite 280SL
is sure to satisfy the most demanding Mercedes-Benz collector
seeking a Pagoda that is as crisp and elegant as the day it rolled
off the showroom floor. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7252-1968-mercedes-benz-280sl/
