1971 Mercedes 280SL, 2 owners, rust-free, AC, 91k miles, fresh interior, SUPERB!

'Some cars don't change. they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280SL. atest version of a line that began as the 230SL in 1963. is the same as ever. just better. concluded Road & Track after testing a 280SL in 1968. 'For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction. it's alone in the field. enthused the highly respected motoring magazine. while its manufacturer considered the 280SL. '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 280SL'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 280SL's essential user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market. and many celebrities and film stars owned 280SLs.

The last of a popular and extremely successful line. the Mercedes-Benz280SL was introduced in 1967 powered by a new 2. 8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp. 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250SL's. The 280SL's 120mph 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 top' 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.

The Southern California native. 1971 Mercedes Benz 280SL offered here was purchased new from the Heinz-Geitz dealership in La Jolla. California. near San Diego. Traded. back to that dealer in 1979. it was then sold to its second local lady owner for $17. 51. 00. It was then driven by that meticulous owner to an original and correct 91. 00 miles. before being stored away in a clean. dry environment in her new home in the Southern California high desert. A “loved and well-cared for car”. doesn't do justice to the treatment the car received throughout its life. the lady keeping a logbook (pictured). reporting all services and miles covered. and it is accompanied by a substantial file of service records. as well as all original manuals and books.

Recently liberated from storage. the car has been subject to extensive re-commissioning. A full service to engine and transmission was all that was needed. and the result is an excellent running car. Excellent compression was found on all cylinders. The engine has great. responsive power. and the automatic transmission is exceptionally smooth. Fuel and fluid systems were flushed. a new fuel pump was installed with many of the rubber hoses from drying out in storage. The car has absolutely no leaks. Brakes. suspension and steering were all overhauled and are in perfect working order. The original AC system was also overhauled with a new condenser. and now works exactly as it should. The car features the original Becker Europa radio with a lovely Becker cassette player mounted under the dash. The clock keeps reasonable time. the radio works perfectly. but I haven't tried to play a cassette. I have to admit.

A completely rust-free example. the car retains the original blue California license plates. and is offered in excellent condition. While under the original owner's care. a minor accident forced the replacement of the hood and one fender. No frame or structural damage can be detected. Repainted in the original China Blue. the car presents exceptionally well with excellent chrome. scuff-free wheels shod with brand new whitewall tires. The trunk is in absolutely perfect. unrestored and totally rust-free condition. like I have never seen. The original trunk mat has become very brittle and broke when I lifted it for trunk floor photographs. . as can be seen.

The interior of the car was subject to restoration to dash. panels and carpet with new leather seats and blue canvas soft top. The car comes with the original hardtop. which is in excellent condition and likely to have spent the past 40 years in storage.

This is an excellent driving SL with fantastic history. It is not a perfect show car. but that would command a $100. 00 plus price tag today. It is an honest car that can be driven with pride and driven anywhere. I have owned it for most of this year and have enjoyed my 4. 00 miles with her immensely and without issue after the re-commissioning work was complete. With a couple of cars in restoration. it's time to move her on to a new custodian. presenting a great opportunity to own an excellent example of one of the best engineered. most stylish and supremely driveable classic cars ever built.

Clicking on one of the photos below will link you to a Photobucket album with additional photos of the car. including many of the underside.

Also published at eBay.com

Want to buy this car?