Lot details Registration No: OAP800F Chassis No: 11304422000620 Mot Expiry: Mar 2007
"The Mercedes-Benz 280SL 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)
Last of the W113 line, the 280SL 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 180bhp and 193lbft of torque. Equipped with all round independent suspension and ATE disc brakes, its '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. Available in Californian Coupe, Convertible or Coupe Convertible guises, the last of these came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof (so called because of its gently scalloped centre section).
Finished in silver with black tex upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "sound" (chassis), "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, wheels / tyres), "very good" (four-speed automatic transmission, bodywork, paintwork) or "excellent" (engine) condition. Said to be a "two owner car", 'OAP 800F' was first registered on 27th February 1968. Purchased by its present keeper from Woking Motors the following year, it is understood to have covered 94,200 miles from new (though, an early speedometer change means that just 91,000 of these are currently displayed). Reportedly "stripped and repainted in 2004" (it had benefited from "two new wings" a decade earlier), the 280SL boasts a "soft-top in good condition" and apparently "looks good with the hardtop off". Considered by the seller to "drive well" and to be potentially "suitable for daily use", this pampered 'Pagoda' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until March 28th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until March 31st 2007.
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