Vehicle Description
Mercedes touted the 280SL Pagoda as the direct descendant of the 300SL/SLR. The 280SL was the “sum of everything that Mercedes-Benz engineers have learned about high-performance sporting machinery”. It was undoubtedly one of the finest handling cars of its type in the world. The reinforced flat frame steel floor with a welded on body formed the “unit structure” which added to the allure of the car. With a fully independent 4-wheel suspension with coil springs and heavy duty shocks, Mercedes managed to create a true sports car that didn’t have you peeing blood the next day. Its ride was smooth and comfortable while delivering unparallelled handling and performance. The 7,000RPM tach let you know that Mercedes was serious about creating a high-performance roadster. The single overhead cam in-line 6 cylinder 2.8 liter (169.5 cu. in.) fuel injected motor put out a respectable 193 lbs./ft of torque and over 180 horsepower (SAE). The sexy sleek SL was capable of well over 120 mph. Speed was brought to a halt by power assisted disc brakes at all 4 corners. Mercedes didnt stop there...inward the car featured some of the finest coachwork available across any line of vehicle. The open cabriolet body included a folding convertible top. Both driver and passenger are treated to contoured bucket-type reclining seats. The cockpit is lavish and eloquent. Deep twist carpet covers the floors and transmission tunnel. Walnut decorates the dash and console areas. The large tach and speedometer are displayed with white on black readings. All gauges are easy to read and fit the styling perfectly. Both pilot and co-pilot are treated to their own heating and cooling controls. Mercedes was also proud to let you know that the SL offers more forward legroom than a Rolls-Royce. Overall the sleek and rich styling of this entire vehicle makes for a driving experience you wont soon forget.
Our gorgeous 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is fully documented from its original protect-o-plate to its extensive service records dating back to its original sale date on 4-11-1968. Eileen Muhlethaler bought this early production car (#911 of 6,930 produced) in Illinois where it has spent its entire life garage kept. We document the car back to Eileen with the most extensive service record file we have ever seen. Dealer stamps fill the Service Booklet at each and every recommended service interval (see pic) up to its most recent. Every dollar spent on the car has a receipt present and documentation of the service performed. We have a most complete documentation file that includes the original maps, service books, sales brochure, radio information, dealer registry, etc... We determined that Eileen sold the car to James Archibald who then transferred it to his friend Ed Slisz in the 80's. We purchased this car back in 2004 and have held it in our private collection since. We performed a factory original paint restoration on the car in 2005.
