Vehicle Description
280 SL (1967-1971)
The 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in
production through 23 February 1971, when the W 113 was replaced by
its successor, the entirely new and substantially heavier R107 350
SL. Over the years, the W 113 evolved from a sports car into a
comfortable grand tourer, and US models were by then usually
equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission and air
conditioning. Manual transmission models came with the standard
4-speed or the optional ZF 5-speed, which was ordered only 882
times and thus is a highly sought-after original option today. In
Europe, manual transmissions without air conditioning were still
the predominant choice. Of the 23,885 280 SLs produced, more than
half were sold in the US.
The main change was an upgrade to the 2,778 cc (2.8 L) M130 engine
with 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) maximum power and 180 lb�ft (244 N�m)
maximum torque, which finally gave the W 113 adequate power. The
performance improvement was achieved by increasing bore by 4.5 mm
(0.2 in), which stretched the limits of the M180 block, and
required pairwise cylinder casts without cooling water passages.
This mandated an oil-cooler, which was fitted vertically next to
the radiator. Each engine was now bench-tested for two hours prior
to being fitted, so their power specification was guaranteed at
last.
The M130 marked the final evolution of Mercedes-Benz' venerable
SOHC M180 inline-six, before it was superseded by the entirely new
DOHC M110 inline-six introduced with R107 1974 European 280 SL
models. For some time, it was also used in the W 109 300 S-Class,
where it retired the expensive 3 liter M189 alloy inline-six.
North American models have a number of subtle differences, the most
obvious one being the distinctive "sealed beam" bulb headlights
required in the US versus the Bosch Lichteinheit headlights for the
rest of the world. 1970 US models also acquired amber turn-signal
lenses on the rear lights, later than most other countries.
Other differences of the North American models include imperial
gauges, chrome bumper guards, side reflectors (illuminated from
1970), lower rear-axle ratios for faster acceleration yet lower top
speeds, and no "single-side" parking lights. US market 280 SL
engines required emission control modifications, including "softer"
valve timings, a reduced compression ratio and a modified injection
pump, which reduced power from 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) to 160 PS
(118 kW; 158 hp). In the US, automatic transmission, air
conditioning, and white wall tires were much more popular than
elsewhere.
European Collectibles did an exquisite restoration on this Roadster
over a 24-month period from 2014 to 2016. During the restoration
this Mercedes was completely disassembled so that every aspect
could be properly addressed. Everything has been rebuilt. Truly one
of the best 280SL Roadsters that you will find with no issues.
Everything has been restored; finished in a beautiful period
correct color combination and it is truly a dream to drive!
