Vehicle Description
Gateway Classic Cars of Atlanta is proud to present this 1970
Mercedes-Benz 280SL. The Mercedes-Benz W 113 is a two-seat
roadster/coup, introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, and
produced from 1963 through 1971. All models were equipped with an
inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection. The
bonnet, boot lid, door skins and tonneau cover were made of
aluminum to reduce weight. The comparatively short and wide
chassis, combined with good suspension, powerful brakes and radial
tires gave the W 113 good handling for its time. The styling of the
front, with its characteristic upright Bosch "fishbowl" headlights
and simple chrome grille, dominated by the large three-pointed star
in the nose panel. The 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and
continued in production through 23 February 1971. Over the years,
the W 113 evolved from a sports car into a comfortable grand
tourer, and US models were by then usually equipped with the
4-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning. The main
change was an upgrade to the 2,778 cc (2.8 L) M130 engine with 170
PS (125 kW; 168 hp) maximum power and 180 lb?ft (244 N?m) maximum
torque from the factory, which finally gave the W 113 adequate
power. The performance improvement was achieved by increasing bore
by 4.5 mm (0.2 in). North American models have a number of subtle
differences, the most obvious one being the distinctive "sealed
beam" bulb headlights required in the US versus the Bosch
Lichteinheit headlights for the rest of the world. Other
differences of the North American models include imperial gauges,
chrome bumper guards, side reflectors (illuminated from 1970). In
the US, automatic transmission, air conditioning, and white wall
tires were much more popular than elsewhere.Options on this 1970
Mercedes-Benz 280SL include: Air Conditioning, AM/FM Radio, Manual
Convertible Top, Hub Caps, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Seat
Belts, Leather Interior, and Radial Tires.
