For Sale at Auction: 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Monterey, California

Chassis No. 113.044.12.007982
Engine No. 130.983.12.005042
Transmission No. 035090

Finished in sleek Silver Grey Metallic (180), this 280 SL completed production on 20 February 1969 as a U.S.-specification model. The original service booklet shows that the car was first sold by Powers Motor Company of Morristown, New Jersey, to Dr. Islyn Thomas, a leader in the plastic molding industry, and inducted into the Plastics Hall of Fame in 1979. The good doctor ordered the car with a striking Red Leather (243) interior contrasted by the optional Ivory colored steering wheel. For added comfort and convenience, the car was ordered with power steering, an automatic transmission, and dealer-installed Frigiking air conditioning. For quick and easy weather protection, the car is equipped with a folding soft top underneath the tonneau cover and for additional protection, a removable hard top finished in matching Silver Grey with chrome trim strips.

Dr. Thomas retained the car until his passing in 2002 when its second owner acquired it. Like many examples with early metallic paintwork, the bodywork was refinished in its original Silver Grey Metallic prior to the current owner purchasing the car in 2015 with just under 61,000 miles, which are believed to be original. Today the car remains in highly original condition with just a scant few miles added under current ownership. As a sign of the quality of the car, many factory details are still present, such as the notches on the fenders behind the headlights and the spot welds that are so easily erased during the restoration of the bodywork.

Today, the Pagoda's enduring allure has cemented its status as a highly sought-after collector's car, though few examples maintain this level of originality. This particular model, richly optioned and finished in an exceptionally attractive color scheme, exemplifies the timeless elegance of mid-century design. It offers a rare opportunity to experience the "W113" in both coupe and roadster configurations-each so elegantly envisioned by Bela Barenyi and Paul Bracq.