Vehicle Description
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible
The SL of the model, known internally as W113, was introduced at
the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 and for safety, hard edges of the
interior were removed and replaced with more rounded surfaces. This
went along with the car's rigid passenger cell inherited from
previous models. The 280 was the third and final iteration of the
W113. Along with the sealed beam headlight, U.S. spec models have
some subtle differences to the European cars.
For consignment, a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL convertible with a
title verified 77,092 actual miles, two tops and the hard top rack
and cover. Though originally designed as a sports car, it also had
the dual purpose of providing a "high degree of comfort" as
Mercedes' Technical Director phrased it in 1963.
Exterior
The warm tones of Beige paint fit the comfort side of the car and
hides the sporty nature that perhaps red paint would denote. Its
business like presence is matched by the attractive body lines of
the car with rounded front fenders that flow from the round
headlights that raise above the hood and flank a wide grille with a
sizable Mercedes star. Chrome bumperettes are part of the U.S. spec
and ride on nicely chromed bumpers, split in the back, under
horizontal tail lights that would include amber turn signals later
in 1969. Also in back, twin chrome tipped tailpipes extend past the
bumper in more of a sports car manner. The chocolate brown canvas
top is a wonderful complement to the beige and its plastic rear
window is crystal clear. 14-inch wheel covers are painted to match
the body and wear 185/70R14 tires. The paint, lenses, emblems, and
metalwork are spectacular on the car and we could not find any
exterior imperfections.
Interior
Comfort begins with leather and leather begins on the door panels
in saddle colored smooth application with robust but smaller
hardware. The low back pleated leather bucket seats are thick with
cushioning and in wonderful shape. An ivory steering wheel greets
the driver with just a touch of patina and fronts a stunning
dashboard in saddle leather and beige with a prominent cushioned
dash pad. The speedometer goes to 140 mph and is on the opposite
side of a square gauge cluster where the tachometer serves as the
bookend on the other side. A Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette radio is in
the center, offering a bit of black contrast next to an analog
clock and below A/C levers. The straight shifter rises from the
center hump that's covered in tan Berber carpet that is carried
over to the floor, the footwells, the backs of the seat, and the
package area behind the seats.
Drivetrain
While the engine bay is not as showy as the rest of the car, it's
certainly clean. That's where we find the 2.8 liter SOHC inline six
cylinder powerplant rated at an impressive 168 horsepower. It has
Bosch fuel injection and a 4-speed automatic transmission sending
power to the rear axle with 4.08 gears. Power disc brakes are
supplied on this grand touring sports car to reign in some of those
168 horses.
Undercarriage
Overall very clean underneath with evidence of a car that's been
driven. The knuckle and other steering components as well as wheel
components are free of grease. We note a few drops of oil on the
pan and transmission. Dual exhaust runs in tandem the length of the
car and enters a stainless steel muffler before exiting as noted.
Coil spring suspension makes up the independent units on front and
back.
Drive-Ability
I left my ascot and loafers at home, but just being wrapped in this
car makes you feel classy. It's elegant, streamlined, somewhat
compact, and with 4.08 gears, pretty quick to get out to our test
loop. The SL's have that unique boxy stance, square, and
surefooted. As a result, it handles well and feels good in the
hand. This well sorted car enjoys complete functionality,
everything that is supposed to operate does. While Classic Auto
Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of
our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working
at the time of your purchase.
It's obvious by now, this is a collector grade vintage
Mercedes-Benz that is a joy to drive and equally as nice to look
at. Whether it's Beverly Hills or Hillsborough, New Jersey or
anywhere in between, this car is going to grace the streets that it
rolls down. Inquire within as they say, and contact our Car
Specialists with your intentions, good people.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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