1969 Mercedes 280 SL

Year:	1969
Make:	Mercedes-Benz
Model:	280 SL
Price:	$24,950

Description:

This is the original style of the SL series that Mercedes introduced in the late ‘60s. Unlike subsequent versions, this 280 SL has the classic lines that make this series the most sought after of the recent SLs. It popularized the pagoda-style roof line on its removable hardtop that has become an automotive styling icon. And with the 2.8 liter engine, it is the most spirited performer of that series.

This 1969 Mercedes 280 SL is finished in a beautiful slate blue that looks like it was applied yesterday instead of 20 years ago. The paint is bright and shiny, with that depth that you can look down into. Of course there are no dents, dings or chips in the paint. The chrome is all in very good condition and matches the quality of the exterior finish. It is apparent that this car has been garaged and cared for by its present owner since she bought it in the late ‘80s in California.

The interior of the car is finished in bone leather, with blue carpeting that matches the exterior color. The seats have sheep skin covers and the leather seat surfaces below show signs of wear with one tear on the driver’s seat where the seatbelt apparently abraded the seat, and the carpet is sun-faded in various places. The headliner on the removable hardtop is in good condition, without any holes or tears. The tan soft convertible top is in almost new condition, although there is a stain that only shows on the inside—not the outside (see picture) that probably came from the grease lubricating the top’s folding mechanism.

Looking out at the dash, the instruments are all clean and functioning—including the clock, and the Becker radio works well. The dash is an attractive combination of wood and vinyl, although the vinyl is cracked and will need freshening. As would be expected of a car of this caliber, all of the safety equipment—lights, horn, wipers, turn signals, etc.—is working properly. This car is equipped with air conditioning, and while the system is complete and compressor/clutch appears to be functioning properly, it does not blow cold and probably needs a recharge.

Mechanically, the SOHC six cylinder 180 h.p. engine starts right up and runs smoothly with excellent oil pressure. The 2.8 liter engine provides plenty of power for this car and the automatic transmission shifts properly to match your driving style. The car has mismatched 185-14 radial tires that are in good condition, with Mercedes hubcaps painted to match the body—a very elegant look for this classic. This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL has the rock solid feel that is unique to the Mercedes while being a spirited performer.

As noted, this car has the factory hardtop in the famous—and highly desirable—Pagoda configuration. In this earlier series, the concave shape of the top combined with a more delicate styling than in later years, gives a sense of airiness that makes the car as attractive with the hardtop in place as with the convertible top down.

This is a very nice example of one of the earlier and really classic SLs—extremely nice body and paint, mechanically in good condition, factory hard and soft tops—at an affordable price! Whether with the top down or the Pagoda top installed, this is a classy sports car that can be driven to the theater, the golf course or the grocery store without being either ostentatious or mundane.