Vehicle Description
1969 Mercedes 280SL roadster, VIN 11304410006086. This example is a
well-preserved, original car that was given a cosmetic restoration
many years ago and today remains in very clean and presentable
condition. Under the hood, this Mercedes has the desirable 180
horsepower engine which was the most powerful engine offered in the
280SL. It is coupled to a sporty, four-speed transmission that
makes this example particularly fun to drive. � When Mercedes-Benz
launched its new 280SL roadster in 1963, it represented a huge
improvement over the previous 190SL. A newly designed, 150
horsepower, six-cylinder engine replaced the 190's four-cylinder.
This engine was gradually increased in size to the most desirable
180 horsepower 2.8-liter engine was developed in 1968. The bulbous
bodywork of the 190 was replaced by a new, crisp, angular design,
and its unusual, detachable, hardtop roof gave rise to the nickname
"Pagoda Top" due to its concaved, center section. The elegant
two-seater was never intended as a pure sports car but 280SL
roadsters were often seen on the track and soon became popular
rally cars. Mostly, however, the pagoda top SLs became the choice
of celebrities and the wealthy. During the mid-century modern
period of the 1960s, these roadsters were often seen cruising sunny
coastal roads and parked in front of trendy restaurants and grand
hotels. They were extremely popular in the United States and the
bulk of those produced were made for US export. This 1969 Mercedes
280SL roadster, VIN 11304410006086, is being offered from the
estate of a well- known and respected local collector. He purchased
this vehicle is 2008 and based upon the documentation we have, it
is believed that it spent most of its life in the Midwest. The
mileage indicated on the odometer is approximately 42,000 and,
based upon careful inspection it is likely to be the original
mileage, however, cannot be guaranteed. This example is a
well-preserved, original car that was given a cosmetic restoration
many years ago and today remains in very clean and presentable
condition. Upon inspection, they body appears to be very straight
and solid. The doors, hood and trunk fit the body with even gaps
and margins. The body panels appear to be free of damage and the
body lines are crisp and clear. Underneath, the floors appear to be
in good condition and the trunk pan appears to be a correct
replacement. The car is likely to have been repainted once and the
white paint is generally clean and presents well. The paint has the
expected amounts of minimal wear present but has a good, overall
consistent gloss. The most notable area of paint damage is
underneath the grill where there is some paint loss. The black
interior is likely original and in good condition. The seats,
carpets and door panels are clean and well preserved. The interior
woodwork appears to have been recently refinished. The car is
equipped with its signature, removable� "Pagoda" hardtop as well as
a convertible top. The convertible top shows overall wear and the
headliner on the hardtop is in need of replacement. The dashboard
is original and very clean. All of the instruments and controls are
intact and show well. The radio is a later, aftermarket unit, but
the original radio is present and included. The glass is clean with
the exception of a small chip in the windshield. The trunk area is
mostly original and the trunk mat is well worn and should be
replaced. Under the hood, this Mercedes has the desirable 180
horsepower engine which was the most powerful engine offered in the
280SL. It is coupled to a sporty, four-speed transmission that
makes this example particularly fun to drive. The engine
compartment appears mostly original and is generally clean and
presentable. Underneath, the chassis components appear to be
original and undamaged.� The tires have less than 1,000 miles on
them. The car starts easily and runs well. In recent years,
Mercedes 280 SL roadsters have become increasing popular and
desirable. This is a very clean and mostly original example that
can be driven and enjoyed as-is or easily improved upon with
minimal effort.