For Sale: 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1968 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 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL convertible with a title verified 67,019 actual miles. Owned by our consignor who has owned it for 30 years and in all that time, only put 6,000 miles on the car!

Exterior
What's not to love here? Two stage Signal Red covers the car brilliantly and the matching hubcaps set this car apart. From the front, this car can be confused for no other, it's purely Mercedes and classic in every way, from the headlights that connect to the marker lights below, the perfect grille with the three pointed star, and the slight rise to the fenders which contour over the headlights. Straight shouldered and low, the SL also presents a pleasing profile, whether that black canvas top is up or down and a gently curved windshield that dictates the pointed end of the fender between which sits a raised cowl duct. The rear is also nicely designed with perfect symmetry and twin chrome exhaust tips to the right. The metal work, pinstripe, and paint are all in fantastic condition and we could find no exterior flaws.

Interior
Cream leather adorns the inside beginning on the door panels, simple, ergonomic, and handsome. Matching and robust are the bucket seats, thickly constructed with a curved back and stitched cream leather. A spotless package shelf is behind them with red loop style carpet coating the space. The black steering wheel does show some cracks in the plastic and some patina on the horn ring, but the center pad is in very nice shape. An artful combination of Signal Red and cream surfaces style the beautiful dash which also includes chrome trim. An Alpine AM/FM/CD player now occupies the center, just next to a more vintage looking VDO analog clock. More red carpet covers the floor and the shifter rises modestly from the transmission tunnel, a simple black knob handle at the top. A rubber mat protects the trunk floor and a covered spare tire is included.

Drivetrain
We'd call it more driver quality esthetic conditions under the hood where we find the 2.8 liter SOHC inline six cylinder, rated at 168 horsepower and receiving fuel via a Bosch fuel injection system. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power to the 4.08 gears in back.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with some oil under the engine and on and around the rear differential. A belly pan takes up most of the underside and no rust is found other than the surface type and it coats the dual exhaust that runs into a single stock style muffler before heading out to dressy chrome tips in back. Four wheel power disc brakes are onboard and independent coil spring suspension is found front and rear.

Drive-Ability
The Bosch injection does its thing and starts this red flyer with ease, and driving it is also something of ease with good power, straight tracking, and fantastic handling and road buffering from the 75 series tires. This car is small enough to be nimble, and large enough to feel secure on the road. The only thing we find that doesn't work is the clock. All other functions operate as they should. 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.

This classic European roadster combines a sporty profile with a touch of luxury that we've come to love in the Mercedes brand. It's stately without being stodgy, and racy without being too small. Yes, if Goldilocks wanted to ride the windy forest road to visit the bear cabin, this would be her ride of choice. This car looks high end because it is high end and would be a wonderful acquisition for the discerning collector.

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 listening. You can also watch on YouTube!