Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Model History

The W 113 280 SL Roadster was in production from 1967 until 1971. The last model year. 1971. lasted for only 8 months from July 1970 to March 1971 to make way for the W107 series of cars. From 01 January to March 1971 (Calendar Year 1971) eight hundred thirty 280 SL's were made but during the 1971 Model Year (July 1970 to March 1971) about 4. 00 1971 Model 280 SL's were made. This ended production of the 113 SL's. The car we currently own is a 1969 280 SL. It was the 7. 07th 280SL produced of a total of nearly 24. 00. It left the factory in December 1968 going to a Mercedes dealer in Italy. Silly note for fans of James Bond: the VIN number of our car ends with "007-007". (dash added) that's two double-oh-sevens. The 280 SL has a 2778cc inline 6 cylinder engine (and if you read above carefully. you know why the model number is "280". ) The engine has a mechanical Bosch fuel injection system. a single overhead camshaft. and a cast alloy valve cover. A nice safety feature: if the brake fluid gets too low. a red light shows on the dashboard. To save weight. the moveable parts of the exterior: the doors. trunk lid (boot) and hood (bonnet). are all aluminum alloy. 280SL TOPS: Hardtop. Soft Top. No Top The 280 SL was flexible in its choice of tops: a soft top. a removable hardtop. or both. A car could be ordered with only the removable hardtop and no soft top. If you guessed wrong about the weather and took a drive without the hardtop. you had no protection from the rain. This option was unofficially called the "Californian". 113 cars were not available with a permanently attached hardtop. We note that in the UK. the soft convertible top is called the "hood". What we call the "hood" in the US is called the "bonnet" in the UK. This gets a little confusing when a US native reads a UK repair manual that says "remove the hood". oops. It would be nice if we spoke the same language
More Details
This 280 Sl would stand proud alongside many advertised at alot more money . The colour combo is superb . The detail on the cosmetic is very nice to see . The attention to detail on the mechanical side is also a wonderful thing and all to often missed as can be costly . This is a fine example and being the sort after 280 would be a great addition to anyones collection or to use on those sunny days just round the corner .
Engine & Transmission
The Engine is running lovely with no leaks or squeaks. The engine is super clean as is the whole engine bay . Recent maintenance has been carried out and the running of the car is testament to the previous owners who have onviously maintained the car to a very high level.
Wheels. Tyres & Brakes
The standard steel wheels have all been refurbed and are in very good condition . The original trims are all as new with no dents etc . The tyres are all matching and are excellent .

Exterior

As with the rest of the car . The only way to describe the paintwork is stunning . There are no imperfections at all . whilst doing a detailed clean we had to hunt high and low for even a stone chip . The colour is superb and suts the car very well . We have never seen one this colour before . The hardtop is close to perfection. All the glass is perfect. The brightwork is all very very good . we noticed two very small dents in the bumper . ut other than that as new .
Interior & Equipment
The interior is just to die for . The previous gentleman owner has had the interior completely refurbed . This was done as was previously Black and he thought it was a bit dark . The quality of the work is exceptional and the car has hardly been used since completion . All the dials etc are working and original. Needless to say the headlining is also all new . This job was very comprehensive and no doubt transformed the car to its present colour combination which is just stunning.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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