Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz consolidated the SL sports car concept into a single
line as 300SL, and 190SL production wound down in the early 1960s.
The 300SL was well-established as a motoring legend but 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, 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. 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. While the 280SL is less
aggressive than some 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 most 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. This 1970 280SL roadster was delivered
new to Sherman Oaks, California, and is an expertly-maintained
example, benefitting from a well-preserved older restoration and
care while in the personal ownership of a marque specialist. It
features its original, numbers-matching 2.8-liter inline-six,
stamped original owner's manual with warranty plate, original
California registration slips, tool kit, and service/restoration
records dating back to the 1980s. It is well equipped with
desirable options, including two tops, Frigiking air conditioning,
and an automatic gearbox. According to original warranty
information, this car was sold new by Mercedes-Benz of Hollywood
and delivered to Ms. Lucille S. Johnson of Sherman Oaks. It is
unclear how long she owned the SL, though records show that by the
1980s, the car was in Indianapolis, in the hands of Joseph
McCauley. In the mid-80s, Mr. McCauley initiated a cosmetic and
mechanical restoration, including an engine rebuild and engine-out
respray in a period-correct shade of metallic maroon. As offered
today, this SL remains in excellent condition, thanks to years of
expert care. The quality of the restoration is apparent in the
details - including properly finished black rocker panels and
body-color painted wheel wells. The maroon paintwork remains glossy
and attractive, with good definition to the crisp body lines and
consistent, even panel gaps. It includes the matching hardtop, and
the black canvas soft top is in excellent condition. Brightwork and
trim are in good order, and the car is correctly equipped with
US-market headlamps, and color-keyed wheel covers fitted to proper
steel wheels. The two-seater cabin is trimmed in attractive
cream-beige upholstery with complementary oatmeal loop carpets. The
seats, rugs, and door panels are in good overall condition for
their age, displaying some light signs of use, such as light carpet
stains and bolster wear. A modern AM/FM/CD stereo is currently
fitted, and non-original speakers have been added to the kick
panels and rear parcel area, though a period-correct Becker AM/FM
stereo is included separately. The cockpit is otherwise correctly
fitted with original switchgear and controls. This car also
features desirable Frigiking air conditioning, supplied by the
dealer when new and documented with the original paperwork. The
original, numbers-matching 2.8-liter inline-six is confirmed by the
accompanying warranty plate issued to the first owner. Records show
Mr. McCauley had the engine fully rebuilt in the 1980s, and it
remains in excellent running order today. It is tidy, honest, and
well-presented in the engine compartment, with authentic details
including correct yellow zinc plating on the fuel lines and other
fixtures. The cam cover is polished, a once-common touch to dress
up the SL's purposeful engine bay. This 280SL is a marvelous
example of the rapidly appreciating and eminently usable Pagoda,
ready for relaxed, open-air motoring enjoyment. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7314-1970-mercedes-benz-280sl/
