Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Mercedes Benz 280 SL

VIN – 11304410002383
Engine No. - 13098310000971
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Black leather
Engine – 2.8 liter in-line six
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles –16,300 miles
Current Owner – Purchased in 2019

General Overview

After more than a century of superb automotive craftsmanship, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead as one of the premier automobile innovators, delivering vehicles of superior performance and optimum luxury. During the 1950s, decades of racing achievement and luxury refinements evolved as US market growth encouraged new models, further endearing the brand to new and dedicated customers.

The mid 60s proved to be a rapidly changing time for sports cars. The budding 230SL was slated to replace both the 190SL and the iconic 300SL – an ominous task as the 300SL was a performance brute, but the 190, was nearly the opposite. The 230SL delivered perfectly, proving immediately appealing to customers seeking a charming and sporty car with clean styling, captivating details, and spirited performance. Excellence continued under the hood with Bosch fuel-injection, overhead-cam six-cylinder engines, and a synchromesh transmission, all of which delivered reliable performance. A convertible top, and substantial trunk space allowed for elegant presence and practical traveling, even over long distances. Among the many features, several innovative safety aspects were incorporated into the unique body design including being the first sports car with a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones, industry standards today, but thoroughly new for a sports car in 1963. The 230 model evolved into the 250 series briefly before the 1971 280SL series concluded the distinct "Pagoda" roof Paul Braque design that remains a classic today.

History and Build Details of This Car

This beautifully restored 280SL is documented with a Mercedes-Benz data card indicating the chassis and engine number, factory colors, and options. Additionally, these corresponding option codes are also stamped on the metal plate mounted under the hood. The car was finished at the factory in 568 – Signal Red with 241 – Black Leather interior.

401 – Single seats
416 – Hardtop mounted
422 – Power steering
461 – Instruments in English
491 – USA version
503 – Side view mirror, left
518 – Becker radio
524 – Paint-coat preservation
531 – Automatic antenna
598 – Heat insulated glass
600 – Trim strips on hardtop
669 – Mode of packing VE I
740 – Soft top fabric, Black

A North American delivery example, the factory owner’s manual indicates Mercedes-Benz San Rafael, CA dealer service stamps in 1972 and 1973 followed by a 1980 Phil Smart, Seattle, WA service stamp with 109,000 miles. Additionally, this car is supported by service records dating back to 1979, including services by Phil Smart, Seattle, WA who were commissioned to perform extensive mechanical work on the car including a comprehensive engine rebuild in 1987 with 98,000 miles indicated. Work included body and paint work, new upholstery, a new German fabric convertible top, and extensive details including trim, polishing and plating, new door handles, gauge repairs, convertible top mechanism refinishing, and new carpet/ Mechanical work was also performed on the brakes and transmission, exhaust system and other details through 1990.

According to service records accompanying this car, ownership during this time spanned 1979 through 2005 accumulating an additional 16,000 miles after the restoration was completed. The car was subsequently sold to a resident of Alaska around 2008. On January 28, 2019, the current owner purchased this 280SL in Tucson, AZ and began plans for a comprehensive restoration. The process began with Mercedes-Benz Classic, Irvine, CA parts division supplying numerous parts including transmission front and rear seals, driveshaft components, a new master cylinder, slave cylinder, new clutch disc and pressure plate, new exhaust, suspension bushings, and new brake lines. Services from specialized vendors included turning the brake rotors, chroming multiple parts, replacement of various trim and polished parts, a new windshield, and a fresh respray in signal red.

Condition Overview

Today the car presents as a beautifully restored example ready for enjoyable use, Mercedes-Benz club events, or car shows. The Signal Red paint is glossy and smooth with excellent finish and even coverage on all body panels. The front fenders display factory spot welds on the inner fender lap folds and both inner fender tip details are clearly delineated. The doors shut with crisp precision and retain excellent panel gaps. The hood and trunk also exhibit tight fit and closure. The chrome throughout is in excellent condition, much of which was redone or replaced with correct parts between 2019-2021. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in excellent condition. The black canvas convertible top is nicely tailored with a clear and taut rear window with excellent top bow wrapping and fabric welting on the underside of the top. The hardtop is in excellent condition finished in matching red with correct ivory headliner and excellent glass. The exterior presentation overall is handsome, with proper stance, smooth bodylines and a nicely finished set of matching steel wheels with correct full wheel covers and a set of Phoenix narrow 185 R14 white wall tires.

The interior presents very well with quality materials and fine finishes throughout the cabin. The seats, door panels, and dashboard are in excellent condition with correct top-quality materials and fine fitting. The hardtop headliner, dash pad, and steering wheel horn pad are also in excellent condition. The gauges, switches, gear shift lever, and horn ring are all quite nice as is the matching red dash fascia and chrome plated trim.

The engine compartment and engine are beautifully detailed and properly presented with correct parts, factory components, and updated lines, hoses, and electrical. Castings are correctly finished, components are painted or plated with the correct finishes, and a new cowl insulation pad is installed. The engine is stamped with the correct engine number as represented on a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Data Card accompanying this 280SL The trunk is clean and nicely finished with quality materials including correct satin black inner paint, a correct floor mat, steel wheel stop, and steel rim spare tire with vinyl cover.

The underside of the car is admirably prepared reflective of what appears to have been a comprehensive restoration on an uncompromised original 280SL under former long-term ownership. The chassis floor is finished with matching glossy red paint, rocker panels are coated with satin black textured paint, exposed hard lines are correctly routed and finished, suspension components are in excellent condition, and the suspension bushings, hardware, mounting fasteners, gas tank, shock absorbers, and misc. soft lines all appear essentially as new.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly. Driving manners are excellent with a smooth gearbox and responsive clutch pedal. The ride engineering, disc brakes, and responsive suspension create the ideal driving experience for two occupants, offering ample luggage space and open-air comfort.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a comprehensively restored 280SL. Finished in correct factory colors with matching number engine and options as reflected in the Mercedes-Benz data card, this handsome and iconic 280SL is ready for enjoyable driving, top-down touring, or extended weekend adventures.

Included with this 280SL

The car is offered with a factory removable hardtop, a pair of hardtop latch levers, a pair of sun visors, a set of factory owner’s books, a spiral jack, tools and tool roll, a first aid kit, copies of service and parts invoices from current and past owners, and a copy of the Mercedes-Benz Data Card.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608