1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

In 1963 Mercedes ended production of their “top-of-the-line" 300SL Sports Car as well as their entry-level, 90SL Roadster. Replacing both was the all-new, 30SL Roadster. This was a fresh, ll new design that shared only the basic layout of an in-line, OHC, uel-injected, ix-cylinder engine up front and open seating for two. Interior room and comfort were greatly improved as was rear-trunk room. The 2.3-liter six, hile lively and free-reving was not fully up to the task of moving the new vehicles weight effectively and the 230SLs are still regarded as being fairly underpowered.

Additional development saw a short-lived interim model, he 250SL being produced for model year 1967. Power was up and disc brakes were now also fitted to the rear but it was a short-term solution that was soon replaced by the final variation of this popular theme, he 280SL. Finally buyers got the performance, ower and handling they both expected and demanded. The 280SL was built in model years, 968-1971 before it too was replaced. For most enthusiast, he end of the production of the 280SL was the end of the classic era of open Mercedes Benz Sports Cars. The 350/450SL that replaced it was a clever way to deal with both comfort, afety and emission standards in a manner that the 280SL could never have hoped to achieve. Sadly what the newer version gained was at the loss of any pretense at performance and excitement on the road.

Today, he 230/250/280SL family of Sports Cars have a growing popularity with collectors eclipsed by few other machines of the era. For obvious reasons, he 280SL variant is the version most sought out. With disc brakes at all four corners, ore than adequate performance, andling and a supplemental engine oil-cooler, he 280SLs are vice-free open-top Sports Cars with few equals, specially when price is factored in.

Chassis No. 113.044-12-006311:

This vehicle was special ordered new in color code 172G "Anthracite Grey" a particularly attractive and complementary color for any of the 230/250/280SL versions. The interior is likewise equally attractive and complementary in dark grey with matching grey carpeting and upholstery. This is a particular well optioned example having both Air Conditioning as well as a rare and highly coveted Becker Mexico Cassette Radio, mplifier, ual-Speakers and Power Antenna. This 280SL was also ordered and equipped with option code "426" which was a combination code of "420 and 422." This meant the vehicle as fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission that was floor mounted and that it also had power steering. It also was fitted with option code "503" which meant the inner doors on both sides were reinforced, itted with brackets and featured dual external rear-view mirrors on both sides. This vehicle was delivered new with both the hard and soft tops. The hard top was delivered in body color as were the hub caps. The soft top was delivered new in a contrasting dark black.

Early ownership of this particular vehicle is not known until it was offered for sale by the well-known Japanese-American classic vehicle broker Ichizo Kobayashi. He sourced the vehicle from a Los Angeles based collector for a client in Japan. In 1990, t received a complete and total, are-metal, round-up restoration. It is believed that the restoration was carried out by Lothar Motschenbacher who completed several restorations for Kobayashi-san over the years. Upon completion of the restoration, he vehicle was then imported to Japan and road-registered there for the first time on August 3rd, 991. While in Japan, his 280SL covered 33,569 kilometers. It has always been ultra carefully preserved, onserved and well cared for by both of the former Japanese owners. Today this fully restored 280SL is ready for any manner of immediate enthusiastic use. All services are completely current and up to date. there are no known mechanical or cosmetic defects other than a bit of aging showing on the optional hard top's headliner. The soft top appears both original and as new and completely unused.

This is a completely restored, atching number, ust and accident free vehicle. It is also sold complete with the owner's manual and tools. This vehicle is sold with a current USA title and registration. Overseas buyers are warmly welcome and encouraged to inquire about a potential purchase as well. I can assist at all levels with export and import anywhere in the world as needed.

Please contact Chris Peterson at 858-752-1114 or visit symbolicinternational.com