Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Estimate
£60, 000 - £80, 000
Registration No: CVG 547F
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Highly original machine with 52, 100 recorded miles
Subject to £12, 000 worth of works by the SL shop since import in 2022
V5C, collection of invoices and original handbook and service book
Finished in an attractive colour combination of Tobacco Brown complemented to a Tan interior
Mercedes have been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954 when the landmark 300SL 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 2, 781cc straight-six engine that developed 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 on all corners and steering was by recirculating ball. The car's 'square' track gave notably sure-footed handling. Able to blur the divide between city streets and open roads with ease, the majority of 280 SLs were specified with four-speed automatic gearboxes and power assisted steering. Some 23, 885 were made by the time production ceased in 1971, virtually half of which were exported to the USA. The popular W113 'Pagoda' series of cars were replaced by the substantially heavier R107 range.
Understood to have been delivered new to the Canadian market on the 2nd April 1968, chassis the details below was specified in the rare and attractive colour scheme of Tobacco Brown over a Tan MB Tex Interior, with matching Tan hood. Little is known of the early ownership of the top-of-the-range 280SL, however the original service book on file shows service recordings approximately every 3, 000 miles up to 93, 000 miles on the 26th May 1976 by the main Mercedes-Benz agent at 36 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto. It is understood that the car stayed in Canada right up to 2022, and invoices on file suggest much care and attention, including a complete repaint, by its owners right up until the vendor purchased the car to import into the UK. Upon arrival in the UK, the Pagoda was registered with the DVLA as ‘CVG 547F’ and the vendor recalls that although it was found to be remarkably solid and delightfully original, mechanical work was necessary to ensure its reliability. The vendor entrusted work to renowned specialist, the SL Shop, of Stratford Upon Avon to provide remedial works to the engine and brakes for which there are invoices on file for some £12, 000.
Upon inspection, it was noted that the 280SL is a delightfully original example, and the vendor rates the paintwork and bodywork to be in ‘good to very good’ condition although may be improved by a prospective purchaser if perfection is sought. The interior trim work is noted to be exceptionally original and has stood up very well to what is believed to be a genuine 152, 500 miles – a sure sign of the quality of components and materials used by Mercedes-Benz produced during this period. Mechanically, the vendor rates the two-seater as ‘very good’ thanks to the works performed and it appeared to be running very smoothly with effortless gearchanges from the four-speed automatic transmission when we were driven to the photography location during the consignment process. The convertible hood appears to have been replaced at some point with a correct coloured tan mohair item, which is rated as in ‘good’ condition by the vendor and the iconic hard top ‘Pagoda’ roof is painted attractively in body colour with its original and very much intact headlining.
Now offered to market due to the vendor wishing to pursue other interests, this very attractive example of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic 60’s Grand Tourer would make a fine addition to any collection and is eminently usable thanks to its gorgeous original condition. Potential purchasers would be hard pressed to find a more usable example of the iconic 280SL in a world where most have been extensively restored.
