3rd Oct, 2005 0:00
Syon House
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL California Coupe
Estimated at £18,000 - £22,000
Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 113.044-12-023821
Mot Expiry: None
"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.
Finished in off-white with matching detachable hardtop, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1989. Thought to have had just four registered keepers from new, it retains its original German 'Kraftfahrzeugbrief' document. Upholstered in red with colour co-ordinated carpets, body-coloured dashboard and rear bench seat, it benefits from a Becker Mexico radio-cassette player, automatic transmission, vanity lights and front headrests. While, its boot contains a spare wheel, luggage straps and a tool roll.
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 113.044-12-023821
Mot Expiry: None
"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.
Finished in off-white with matching detachable hardtop, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1989. Thought to have had just four registered keepers from new, it retains its original German 'Kraftfahrzeugbrief' document. Upholstered in red with colour co-ordinated carpets, body-coloured dashboard and rear bench seat, it benefits from a Becker Mexico radio-cassette player, automatic transmission, vanity lights and front headrests. While, its boot contains a spare wheel, luggage straps and a tool roll.
Auction: Syon House, 3rd Oct, 2005
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