1968 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1968 | COLOUR: PAPYRUS WHITE (DB717) | DARK OLIVE (DB291) HARD TOP | INTERIOR TRIM: DARK GREEN (134)

LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS 1968 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL LEFT HAND DRIVE, AUTOMATIC, ORIGINAL USA DELIVERED PAGODA. WITH FULL LUX CLASSICS ENGINE, EXCHANGE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION AND MECHANICAL REBUILDS, AIR CONDITIONING INSTALLATION AND COSMETIC UPGRADES. PURCHASED BY ITS CURRENT OWNER FROM A FRIEND IN EUROPE.

THE APPEAL
With its timeless appeal, the W113 Pagoda is the definitive collectible Mercedes-Benz – a handsomely proportioned car, technically ahead of its time and incredibly well-engineered. Costing nearly twice as much as an E-Type when new, its elegance, reliability and sporting prowess became an instant attraction for the rich and famous – notable past owners include John Lennon, Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston and Sir Stirling Moss.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Very rare retrofitted air conditioning
• Matching numbers engine & colours
• Engine, automatic transmission and mechanical rebuilds, cosmetic upgrades and air conditioning installation by Lux Classics in the last few years with invoices totalling £150,000
• History file with copy of data card
• Extensive documentation of works carried out by Lux Classics
• Power steering and automatic transmission
• Touring prepared
• Matching factory Dark Olive repainted hard top
• New Dark Olive mohair soft top
• Becker Europa II Stereo

This Pagoda’s manufacturer completion date was 29 November 1968, with a dealer code of 706 indicating original USA delivery. It is presented in its original factory-delivered colour scheme of Papyrus White exterior paintwork, complemented by Dark Olive hard and soft tops. The contrasting white and dark green is quite unusual, but very striking, providing an appealing visual appearance.

Mechanically well-sorted, it’s ready to enjoy as an everyday classic, but is also fully prepared and well-suited for European touring.

MECHANICAL
With extensive mechanical works carried out by Lux Classics in recent years, we know this 280SL well. Most notably, we have stripped and rebuilt the engine, automatic transmission and rear axle with full documentation providing breakdowns of the works undertaken and parts used. In addition, we installed the after-market air conditioning system, carried out various other mechanical and cosmetic upgrades, together with routine servicing, 4-wheel alignment and maintenance.

INTERIOR
The dark green interior trim provides a rarely seen and striking contrast to the white paint. The seats, carpeting and trim work all present in fine condition throughout. There’s a lovely period aura to the switch gear and chrome work, with the Becker Europa II stereo providing an appropriate finishing touch. The after-market air conditioning outlet and control unit is neatly located underneath the existing dash and glovebox assembly.

Invoices in the history file detail recent cosmetic works by Lux Classics to the seats, window runners, weather sealing, fabrication of trim panels and soft top adjustments.

Currently on a personalised registration plate which is not part of the sale.

On Sale on behalf of its owner as a consignment sale.

MODEL HISTORY
The 230SL (W113) was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 as a replacement for its predecessors, the 190SL and 300SL. The 230SL was updated in November 1966 to the 250SL and in November 1967 to the last production series as a 280SL.

With its inwardly facing roof curvature and many analogies with Far Eastern Temples, these models soon became better known as the ‘Pagoda’. They were however relatively easy to get in and out of due the tall nature of the roof. The W113’s clean, elegant straight lines typify the work of its lead designer - the legendary Paul Bracq. It had virtually nothing in common with its predecessors, with only the chassis based on that of the 220SE (W111) saloon modified to offer a sportier feel. It was available as a convertible with a hard top and soft folding roof.

The bonnet was styled with a slight bulge to accommodate the straight six cylinder engine, again developed from that in the saloon. Developing 148 hp for the 230SL and 168 hp for the 280SL with mechanical multi-port fuel injection it produced a very smooth power delivery. It was offered with standard four-speed manual, or an optional extra four-speed automatic transmission too, and later with the ZF five-speed manual transmission.

With recirculating ball steering, a dual-circuit brake system, gas-filled shock absorbers and radial ply tyres, it offered a sporty feeling with exceptional handling due to its taut chassis, but also a very compliant ride too. The Pagoda was the first ever sports car to come with a ‘safety body’. It had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure.

The Pagoda proved to be a sound foundation for all subsequent SLs: An exceptional blend of good performance with the highest levels of comfort, with some 48,912 built between 1963 and 1971.

ARRANGE A VIEWING
This vehicle is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.

WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE