Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 113.044.12.009120
Engine No. 130.983.12.005788
Completing production at the Sindelfingen production facility in
the Spring of 1969 in North American specification, this 280 SL's
final destination was sunny, dry Los Angeles, California. The car
remained in Los Angeles with its original owner for a remarkable 49
years until it was purchased by just its second owner in 2018. At
that time, the car retained a high degree of originality, complete
with its original California title and desirable California black
plates.
Shortly after purchasing the 280 SL, the previous owner
commissioned a noted Mercedes-Benz specialist to restore the car to
showroom new condition. After the body was stripped and bodywork
repairs completed, he elected to change the color from its original
350 Medium Blue to period-correct 904 Midnight Blue with a
Parchment leather interior. Metric Motors of Canoga Park,
California, overhauled the engine, restoring it to factory
specifications. All ferrous metal parts were restored to their
proper finishes, including chrome and cadmium plating. A lavish
option at the time, the frigiking air conditioning unit was
restored to ensure optimal cooling for the passengers. The final
touches included fitting a new black folding soft top and
refinishing the steel "Pagoda" hardtop to match the new Midnight
Blue body. Of note, the U.S. specification side markers were
removed during restoration freeing the Paul Brauq-designed body of
the effects of American regulators, which is easily rectified to
satisfy any Concours judge at a later date. Documentation covering
the restoration of this magnificent car accompanies the car.
The consigning owner purchased the 280 SL following the completion
of the restoration in early 2022 and has since treated the car to
post-restoration work and sorting by DuSold Designs, Inc of
Lewisville, Texas. This work included adjustment of the side
windows and other interior details, paint correction and color
sanding, transmission adjustments, as well as refurbishment of the
rear axle and installment of new differential gears with a more
desirable gear ratio. Today this 1969 280 SL presents wonderfully
and would surely be welcomed during any of the events celebrating
the "W113 Pagoda's" 60th anniversary this year.
