1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Lot details
Registration No: NFR187G
Chassis No: WDB11304422005451

- Original UK RHD car

- Described as excellent overall

- Full comprehensive file of bills, invoices and receipts

- Full repaint and interior retrim

- Factory hard top and soft top

- Rare 280SL Automatic model

"The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL departs from other sports cars in two respects. First, it does not resemble a rocket ship or a fugitive from a racetrack. It is sporty but deliberately unflashy. It will never embarrass you, whether keeping fast company in a rally or arriving at the White House. Second, it is one thoroughbred sporting machine that isn't stark or cramped. That doesn't make you pay for soul-stirring performance with ringing ears or stiff joints. It is a civilized sports car. For adults." (Road & Track magazine 1969)

Mercedes have been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954, when the landmark 300 SL was unveiled. The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars. Their successor was the W113 series. The last of the line, the 280 SL was launched in 1968. Blessed with the same effortlessly elegant Paul Bracq styling as its earlier siblings, it was powered by a new seven bearing crankshaft 2781cc straight-six engine that developed some 170bhp and 180lb ft of torque.

The SL was equipped with all round independent suspension - double wishbones and coil springs at the front and coil sprung swing axles at the rear. Braking was by power assisted discs all round and steering was by recirculating ball. The car's 'square' track (some eight inches wider than the contemporary Jaguar E-type) gave notably sure-footed handling. Able to blur the divide between city streets and open roads with ease, the majority of 280SLs were specified with four-speed automatic gearboxes and power assisted steering. The SL was available in Californian Coupe, Convertible or Coupe Convertible guises, the last of which came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof (so called because of its gently scalloped centre section). Some 23,885 280 SLs were reputedly made by the time production ceased in 1971, virtually half of which were exported to the USA. The popular W113 Series of cars was replaced by the all new and substantially heavier R107 350SL/450SL range.

This very pretty and rare 280 SL is a UK specification righthand drive example featuring Blue bodywork and Black leather interior trim. It has been the recent subject of a full repaint and interior retrim to bring it up to standard, all the work for which was carried out by individual professionals or VAT registered garages. As a result, the vendor not surprisingly grades the Benz's bodywork, paintwork, interior trim, six-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission as all being in 'excellent' condition. He is now making the car available complete with factory soft and hard tops, a comprehensive file of invoices, receipts and photographs and an MOT valid into September of next year. 'NFR 187G' currently displays a total mileage of 91,000.