Equipment & Specs
Left-hand drive, 4-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, North American specification.
Description
We’d like to introduce a newly arrived Mercedes 280SL. The Mercedes-Benz 230SL (2300cc), an open-top sports car that debuted in 1963
, saw its engine displacement increased to the 250SL (2500cc) in 1966.However, to maintain power while meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the 280SL (2800cc) was introduced in 1968. Of the total production run of 48,912 units, 23,885 were manufactured—the largest number of any variant—making it the most popular model in the lineup both then and now.
It was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and featured the M130 inline-six OHC engine with a single camshaft, producing 180 horsepower. The crankshaft was modified to a seven-bearing design, improving durability and quietness.Developer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was criticized for the engine’s lack of horsepower, based the design on an innovative concept: even if the engine was underpowered compared to the previous-generation 300SL Gullwing, its excellent handling—thanks to the superior suspension—would more than make up for it.It can be said that this model realized the concept of “a chassis faster than the engine,” a phrase that has since become part of Mercedes’ marketing slogans.
Furthermore, the appeal of the 113/SL lies, above all, in its style. Designed by the renowned Paul Black, the uniquely shaped hardtop—known as the “Pagoda roof”—and the elegant, refined design continue to be admired by people far beyond just Mercedes enthusiasts, regardless of the era.Although the concept—like that of its predecessor, the 190SL—was designed to market Mercedes sports cars to the affluent, including American women, the design’s enduring appeal—even after more than 40 years—is truly outstanding. The combination of a black exterior with a tan interior further accentuates the beautiful body design.
Although many were exported to North America, a significant number were equipped with automatic transmissions, power steering, and even air conditioning, making them popular today as classic Mercedes models that are easy to enjoy.In Japan, a very small number were imported starting around Shōwa 40 by the official importer, Western Motors (Yanase). This particular vehicle has been carefully maintained by its successive owners since it was imported to Japan in Heisei 10.
The brown canvas top and interior carpeting have been refurbished, and the car is in excellent condition, including the body. Both the engine and transmission are running smoothly, and the air conditioning is in working order. It is ready to drive as is.
If you are interested, please come see the car in person as soon as possible.
