Vehicle Description
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<font size = "4">European Specification
2.8-liter inline six - 170 HP
Rare 4-speed manual transmission
In its original color combo, Blue with Bamboo Leather
Complete rotisserie restoration by Coachworks/Rudi & Company
Hardtop, spare wheel/tire, toolkit, manuals, and extensive
documentation
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 230SL, a brand-new roadster that would
eventually replace the 190SL and 300SL, in the spring of 1963. The
230SL "Pagoda" was an exquisite two-seat convertible with sharp
lines and upright headlights that was developed by Paul Bracq and
adhered to Mercedes' new design philosophy. The 230SL was given a
large three-pointed star in its grill as a nod to the 300SL, which
was already recognizable. The hood, door skins, trunk lid, and
tonneau cover were all made of aluminum to reduce weight. Due to
the optional removable hardtop's slightly concave roof, which
resembled a pagoda, the moniker "Pagoda" was immediately embraced.
These SLs are now regarded as masterpieces of design, despite being
divisive at the time of their introduction.
When Mercedes unveiled the 280SL, the third and last generation of
the "Pagoda," in 1967, it became clear that some automobiles don't
change; they only get better. After evaluating a 280SL in 1968,
Road & Track stated, "The Mercedes-Benz 280SL, the latest iteration
of a line that started as the 230SL in 1963, is the same as ever,
just better." According to its manufacturer, the 280SL is "a Grand
Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of
sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz
saloon of course)." The highly regarded American motoring magazine
praised it as "alone in the field" for those who value engineering,
finesse, and high-quality construction.
The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis (W113) with a rear
swing axle and independent front suspension and four-wheel disc
brakes. Power came from a 2.8-liter version of Mercedes' robust
inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection, a combination producing
160 horsepower in US-market variants, and 170 horsepower in
European models such as this vehicle. The majority of US models
were equipped with 4-speed automatics with only a rare few being
made with a 4-speed manual as opposed to the European models which
saw a larger quantity of manual transmissions.
This specific 280SL is undoubtedly a cut above the rest. First
purchased by a Canadian air force pilot, this vehicle was acquired
during his station in Germany. Upon returning back to Canada he
imported the vehicle with him where he continued his ownership for
well over a decade until selling it to its second owner who after a
few years sold the car to the most recent owner. The most recent
owner owned this 280SL for almost 30 years, receiving it in 1994.
He was a retired pilot, who stored the vehicle in his hangar and
would only bring the vehicle out on days when there was no chance
of rain.
2016 marked the beginning of a two-year-long 100% rotisserie
restoration performed by Coachworks and Rudi & Co. and meticulously
overseen by the owner. During the restoration, he would visit on a
biweekly basis and although he did not perform the restoration
himself, he played a huge role in its success. He personally flew
over difficult to source original parts for the project regularly.
Here at Canepa, we are no strangers to restorations of the highest
level and can speak from experience that this 280SL fits the bill.
All aspects of the vehicle were brought back to exactly the way
they left the factory 55 years ago. During the exhaustive
restoration, the owner displayed acute attention to detail to a
level that is rarely seen, pushing Coachworks and Rudi & Co. to
perform a restoration beyond their already high-level award-winning
usual.
Every nut and bolt was inspected and no aspect of the vehicle was
overlooked. All mechanical components were inspected,
reconditioned, restored, or replaced as needed. A complete engine
overhaul was performed utilizing all new internal engine
components. Once completely stripped down, the vehicle was restored
to perfection utilizing laser precision.
When painting the car, the same degree of accuracy was exemplified
making sure everything was period correct. All body gaps once
painted were uniformly set at 4mm. Anything that would or wouldn't
have been seen on the original car was taken care of. As a
testament to the attention to detail, the hood features streaks and
paint that runs toward the lower half. In their earlier years,
Mercedes would dry their hoods by hanging them so the owner had the
same done during the painting process to mirror the original paint
job. All new factory glass and a mixture of replated and N.O.S.
parts were used for the chrome. The original Bamboo Leather
interior upholstery and carpets were completely restored and go
perfectly with the recently completed paint creating this stunning
color combo.
Upon arrival at Canepa, every collector car for sale is put through
an extensive and diligent process called the "Canepa Difference."
This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where
all systems are checked, serviced, and restored as needed. They
also receive an award-winning concours-level detailing, including a
thorough cleaning of each and every surface. This 280SL passed our
inspection flawlessly, as expected with how well restored and taken
care of the vehicle was. Bruce has only seen three 280SL's restored
to this level, with one being a 280SL Canepa restored nearly 20
years ago.
Do not miss this extremely rare chance to own what might well be
the finest example of a European spec 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL in
its marvelous original color combo and the highly sought 4-speed
manual transmission.
