1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

In the early 1960s, Paul Bracq designed a car that hasn't aged for at least a decade, and its replacement is essentially a profound stylistic restyling of the first-generation SL, commonly known as the "Pagoda."

Modern, spacious, and comfortable, it was a profound departure from the classically rounded lines of what was being produced at the time: the replacement for the 190 SL, project code W113, was very bold and appealed to the US market. It was thanks to the determination of the design center that the new SL debuted in this definitive guise at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, with the 230 cc engine, in an open version but with that distinctive pagoda-shaped hardtop that gave it its nickname.

Its elegance, dictated by a few taut lines and a previously unknown rationality, quickly became famous: it was not uncommon to see SLs in films of the time, the elegant spider driven by young ladies and gentlemen. The 230 SL was succeeded by the 250 in 1966, produced for just over a year, before being replaced by the most successful version of the series, the 280 SL, like the one we offer for sale, with a 2.8-liter engine.

With Bosch mechanical injection, four-wheel disc brakes, a brake booster, and a rear suspension with independent axles, the SL's refinement was confirmed, not only in its form but also in its mechanics. The inline-6 engine delivered 170 horsepower, with plenty of torque that allowed the car to reach speeds of over 200 km/h.

The 280 SL we offer was registered in Rome on September 12, 1969, by the Morescalchi dealership. It was sold to its first owner, Mr. Francesco Colaiori, in the dark blue "dunkelblau" color with biscuit leather interior and an optional Becker "Mexico" radio.

The car remained with the Colaiori family for almost twenty years before passing to its second owner, also in Rome, who owned it until 1995. Two transfers of ownership, each lasting one year, until 1997, when it was purchased by a family in Treviso. They owned it for 21 years, before passing it to the current owner in 2018.

Our 280SL is in excellent condition, having undergone a conservative restoration in recent years. It is complete, functional, high-performance, and in good condition. Its hard top is obviously present and is delivered with the car, along with all documentation and accessories. The odometer reads 87,500 km (probably 187,500). Furthermore, the Mercedes "datenkarte" is present, certifying the originality of the trim and the correspondence of the engine to the chassis.

It is a classic car, yet extremely enjoyable to drive, with an almost sporty feel, thanks to the Bosch mechanical injection pump and the generous 6-cylinder engine. The exhaust gives the engine a raspy, distinctive yet never overpowering note. The transmission is a 4-speed manual, a common sight in Italy, where many preferred it to the automatic, unlike in the United States, where SL owners preferred to drive clutchless.

ASI "gold plate" certified, the car retains its first "Roma" license plates, the green registration document “libretto”, the radio registration booklet (for tax payments), and all the original manuals and booklets. Documentation of the work carried out by the last owner is also present.

The SL can be viewed by appointment in Bologna. Further details on www.gulfblue.it