1969 MERCEDES 280 SL Registration Number: BAM 37H Chassis N...

Hammer

£58,000

1969 MERCEDES 280 SL

Registration Number: BAM 37H
Chassis Number: WDB113044220117117 
Recorded Mileage: c. 129,000

Rare RHD example
From 38 year long term ownership
Previous c. £18,000 bodywork refurbishment by authorised Mercedes-Benz repairer

Some cars don’t change, they just get better. The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, latest version of a line that began as the 230 SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better,’ concluded Road & Track after testing a 280 SL in 1968. ‘For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction, it’s alone in the field,’ enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280 SL, ‘a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense’ and ‘a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally).’

These attributes help explain the 280 SL’s phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market where the optional automatic transmission was considered an essential feature by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like ‘sex on wheels’ helped enormously too, of course. The 280 SL’s essential user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market; many celebrities and film stars owned 280SLs in period. The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967 powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL’s. The 280 SL’s 120mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor’s. Christened ‘Pagoda’ after their distinctive cabin shape with its generous glass area, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.

This RHD 280SL was delivered new in 1969, later being with just one lady owner since 1983, during which time it has been garaged and used sparingly. We understand around 1992 the car benefited from an engine rebuild, and in addition approximately 10 years ago bodywork was refurbished by Mercedes Authorised Repairer John Gill Limited of Askew in North Yorkshire. There is a bill in the file for just under £18,000 to support these works, in addition to a smaller bill for general maintenance.

The Mercedes has been garage-kept following the passing of the previous owner in 2016, and with some light recommissioning will be ready once more to take to the road. Showing c. 28,886 miles recorded and finished in an attractive shade of DB571 Metallic Red with a nice black leather interior, this solid and original RHD example offers we feel much potential for the next owner.