1969 Mercedes Benz 280SL

Few classic European automobiles have achieved the timeless appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL. Introduced as the final evolution of the W113 platform, the 280 SL has elegant styling, exceptional build quality, and refined performance that quickly earned the nickname "Pagoda" among enthusiasts because of its distinctive removable hardtop design.

What makes this particular 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL unique is its ownership history.

Purchased new in 1969 by the original owner, this Mercedes has remained in the same family since day one. After decades of ownership, the vehicle was passed from mother to son, who remains the current custodian. Accompanying the car are original paperwork, owner's manuals, workshop manuals, and documentation that help preserve the history of this remarkably original example.

Finished in Horizon Blue over a blue interior and complemented by a matching blue soft top, this 280 SL also includes its factory color-matched removable hardtop. The car remains highly original throughout, including its paint, body, engine compartment, and interior.

Over the years, the car has been maintained and always garage-kept. Recent service work completed in preparation for sale focused on preserving the car's originality while addressing essential maintenance items to keep it mechanically sorted and ready for its next caretaker.

While this Mercedes remains an exceptionally honest and well-preserved example, it should not be mistaken for a concours-level restoration. The original paint exhibits age-related imperfections and some fading, the undercarriage shows expected surface rust and weathering, and several minor mechanical items remain that are outlined below. We believe this transparency accurately represents the character of this highly original, single-family-owned 280 SL.

Engine & Drivetrain:
2.8L Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
4-Speed Hydraulic Automatic Transmission
Original Engine Compartment Presentation

Maintenance & Replaced Parts:
Fresh Service Completed
Chassis Recently Lubricated
Brakes Rebuilt
Brake Lines
Brake Master Cylinder
Brake Booster
Brake Vacuum Booster
Rebuilt Emergency Brake
Fuel Pump
Gas Lines
Shift Rod
Shift Rod Bushings
Ignition Points
Throttle Linkage Lubricated and Adjusted
Distributor Lubricated
Spark Plugs Removed and Cleaned
Timing Adjusted

Exterior:
Original Horizon Blue Paint
Blue Convertible Soft Top
Factory Color-Matched Removable Hardtop

Interior:
Blue Interior
Original Dashboard and Instrumentation
Wood Trimmed Dashboard
Rear Jump Seat

Known Imperfections & Disclosures:
Original paint shows imperfections and fading in areas
Undercarriage shows surface rust and age-related weathering
Oil leak present
Air conditioning system is operational but does not blow cold (R34)
Rear turn signals are currently inoperative
Passenger-side front turn signal is currently inoperative
All other electronics and lights in working order
Soft top catches on the trunk when being folded, resulting in localized wear
Recently Completed Paint Correction
Chrome Trim in Very Nice Original Condition
Garage-Kept Throughout Ownership
Original Radio in working order
Owner's Manuals Included
Workshop Manuals Included
Original Documentation Included
The odometer shows 39,669 but milage is unknown because of the 5 digit reader

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is becoming a difficult type of collector car to locate. This is an unmodified, highly original, documented example with continuous single-family ownership dating back to new. Rather than undergoing a complete restoration, this Pagoda has been preserved and maintained while retaining the character, patina, and history accumulated over nearly six decades.

Now offered for sale by V Fine Motorcars in Austin, Texas.

Nationwide transport assistance is available.