Mercedes 280 SL Pagode - 1969
W113
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Estimated : € 85.000 - 115.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2018
'Some cars don't change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better,' concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. 'For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field,' enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280 SL, 'a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense' and 'a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally).'
These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. The 280 SL's essential user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market; indeed, many celebrities and film stars owned 280 SLs.
The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967. The new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine produced 180 bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250SL's. The 280 SL's 120 mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's. Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.
This particular 280 SL was delivered new in San Diego, California and remained with its first owner from until 1996. Noteworthy features include the four-speed manual transmission, tinted glass, full leather interior, original Bosch radio, dark brown soft-top (in good condition), and working air conditioning. In 1996, the Mercedes passed into the hands of its second owner and moved to Holland, since when it has always been maintained in that country by Mercedes-Benz, Elburg. In 1997, the car was re-sprayed, the front seats being refurbished and the carpets renewed at the same time, while the rest of the interior is said to be original and in excellent condition. The paintwork in the engine bay and other internal spaces is believed to be original.
The vendor informs us that the car has never suffered any accident damage and is free of rust; bodywork is reported as excellent, with spot-welds as per factory delivery. Accompanying documentation consists of the original Mercedes-Benz Datacard; invoices for the period 2011-2014 (circa € 10.000); Dutch registration papers; valid Dutch roadworthiness certificate; and all books including the service booklet: stamped from 1969 to 1996. Presented in generally excellent condition, this beautiful 280 SL runs and drives well and is ready for the next owner to enjoy.
Mercedes 280 SL Pagode - 1969
W113
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Estimated : € 85.000 - 115.000
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2018
'Some cars don't change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better,' concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. 'For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field,' enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280 SL, 'a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense' and 'a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally).'
These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. The 280 SL's essential user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market; indeed, many celebrities and film stars owned 280 SLs.
The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967. The new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine produced 180 bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250SL's. The 280 SL's 120 mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's. Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.
This particular 280 SL was delivered new in San Diego, California and remained with its first owner from until 1996. Noteworthy features include the four-speed manual transmission, tinted glass, full leather interior, original Bosch radio, dark brown soft-top (in good condition), and working air conditioning. In 1996, the Mercedes passed into the hands of its second owner and moved to Holland, since when it has always been maintained in that country by Mercedes-Benz, Elburg. In 1997, the car was re-sprayed, the front seats being refurbished and the carpets renewed at the same time, while the rest of the interior is said to be original and in excellent condition. The paintwork in the engine bay and other internal spaces is believed to be original.
The vendor informs us that the car has never suffered any accident damage and is free of rust; bodywork is reported as excellent, with spot-welds as per factory delivery. Accompanying documentation consists of the original Mercedes-Benz Datacard; invoices for the period 2011-2014 (circa € 10.000); Dutch registration papers; valid Dutch roadworthiness certificate; and all books including the service booklet: stamped from 1969 to 1996. Presented in generally excellent condition, this beautiful 280 SL runs and drives well and is ready for the next owner to enjoy.