1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Convertible with Hardtop
Registration no. FVN 263J
Chassis no. 113044-22-014722
Engine no. 13098322009448

"For those who value engineering finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field," enthused Road & Track 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, and many celebrities and film stars owned 280 SLs.
The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the 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 (193km/h) top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's.
Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape - devised by French designer and classic car enthusiast, Paul Bracq - these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.
Its late custodian purchased this automatic transmission 'Pagoda' from its elderly first owner in 2013. The original owner had a number of cars and so the Mercedes - bought 'to have a bit of fun with' - was kept garaged and used sparingly, and had covered only some 59,000 miles by time of purchase (the current odometer reading is 61,612 miles). Shortly after changing hands, the SL was featured in the Mercedes-Benz Club's magazine (January 2014 edition, copy article on file).
Unfortunately, the service book has been lost, but the car (cherished by its two owners) is known to have had two new wings and a repaint in white. The windscreen is new, as are the carpets, while the canvas hood appears to have been replaced relatively recently and the interior trim is good. Described by the vendor as in overall good condition for its age and mileage, the car is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate and MoT to May 2023.