Euro 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 4-Speed

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a European model that was sold new to a Swiss Mercedes dealer, who used the car as his personal vehicle and eventually moved it to Houston, Texas. He has added about 10k miles and commissioned considerable mechanical and cosmetic maintenance since 1996. Power comes from the matching-numbers 2. 8-liter inline six, which is paired to a 4-speed manual gearbox. Five years after the repaint, there were a few rust bubbles found behind the driverâ??s rear wheel arch and under the rear bumpers, as well as a small hole on the driver-side of the trunk floor. The floor was patched, and the hole was treated with rust converter, filled with metal-impregnated epoxy putty, and painted. The finish is described to show a nice gloss with a few touched-up chips, though it is noted to be slightly more metallic than the original color. A stone chip can be found on one of the Euro headlight lenses, while the the chrome reportedly shows minor pitting upon close inspection. The Pagoda hardtop is noted to be clean, and new soft top/cover seals were recently installed. Six years ago, this 280SL was fitted with refurbished Mercedes Bundt alloys and new tires. The original Firestone Phoenix spare still resides in the trunk, along with the jack and tools. The original steel wheels, unpainted wheel covers, and old tires are included with the sale. The interior was also redone 20 years ago with new factory-correct Cognac MB Tex seat upholstery, refinished wood trim, retractable shoulder belts from an R107, new aluminum heater/vent controls, and a correct factory steering wheel. Additionally, the shifter was extended, fitted with an OEM knob, and given new bushings. A CD player with USB and AUX inputs is also present, along with two speakers in the kick panels and two under the soft top boot. Current interior flaws are listed as an inoperable horn, an inoperable self-cancelling turn signal stalk, and a split in the instrument pod which is shown in the photo gallery. A functional replacement horn is included. It shows the equivalent of 104k miles and is included with the sale. 21 years of service records are included to document mileage. The 2. 8-liter inline-six is mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox and has received annual oil changes since 1996. An electronic ignition system and new spark plugs/wires have been installed, and the mechanical fuel-injection system has reportedly been sorted. Years ago, the motor blew a head gasket, and local shop Wedge Keyes rebuilt the Euro head, re-cored the radiator, and installed a more accurate temperature gauge. There is a slight hesitation under load in the 1st to 2nd gear up-shift, likely due to a worn syncro. The most recent oil service was completed on April 14, 2017, and the brake fluid was flushed at the same time. The factory Data Card is shown above, and complete service records since 1996 will accompany the sale. Filed under: pagoda, sl, w113