1969 Mercedes-Benz Other for sale $114,500

The 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in production through 23 February 1971and#44; when the W 113 was replaced by its successorand#44; the entirely new and substantially heavier R107 350 SL. Over the yearsand#44; the W 113 evolved from a sports car into a comfortable grand tourerand#44; and US models were by then usually equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning. Manual transmission models came with the standard 4-speed or the optional ZF 5-speedand#44; which was ordered only 882 times and thus is a highly sought-after original option today. In Europeand#44; manual transmissions without air conditioning were still the predominant choice. Of the 23and#44;885 280 SLs producedand#44; more than half were sold in the US.

The main change was an upgrade to the 2and#44;778 cc (2.8 L) M130 engine with 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) maximum power and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m) maximum torqueand#44; which finally gave the W 113 adequate power. The performance improvement was achieved by increasing bore by 4.5 mm (0.2 in)and#44; which stretched the limits of the M180 blockand#44; and required pairwise cylinder casts without cooling water passages. This mandated an oil-coolerand#44; which was fitted vertically next to the radiator. Each engine was now bench-tested for two hours prior to being fittedand#44; so their power specification was guaranteed at last.

The M130 marked the final evolution of Mercedes-Benz venerable SOHC M180 inline-sixand#44; before it was superseded by the entirely new DOHC M110 inline-six introduced with R107 1974 European 280 SL models. For some timeand#44; it was also used in the W 109 300 S-Classand#44; where it retired the expensive 3 liter M189 alloy inline-six.

North American models have a number of subtle differencesand#44; the most obvious one being the distinctive sealed beam bulb headlights required in the US versus the Bosch Lichteinheit headlights for the rest of the world. 1970 US models also acquired amber turn-signal lenses on the rear lightsand#44; later than most other countries.

Other differences of the North American models include imperial gaugesand#44; chrome bumper guardsand#44; side reflectors (illuminated from 1970)and#44; lower rear-axle ratios for faster acceleration yet lower top speedsand#44; and no single-side parking lights. US market 280 SL engines required emission control modificationsand#44; including softer valve timingsand#44; a reduced compression ratio and a modified injection pumpand#44; which reduced power from 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) to 160 PS (118 kW; 158 hp). In the USand#44; automatic transmissionand#44; air conditioningand#44; and white wall tires were much more popular than elsewhere.

One owner until 2014and#44; Delta Airlines polite purchased this 280SL new after a promotion. It is extremely well documented with every book from new and stamps in the book for every mile driven. The paint has been redone and it is a exquisite restoration. Truly one of the best driving 280SL Roadsters that you will find and it is sorted with no issues. Finished in a beautiful period correct original color combination with its original interior. Truly a dream to drive!