1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 59455 Miles Beige/Tan Automatic

CHASSIS/VIN #: 11304412023108
MILEAGE: 59,455 ORIGINAL MILES
ENGINE TYPE: 2.8L
TRANSMISSION: 4 SPEED, AUTOMATIC
DISPLACEMENT:
INDUCTION: FUEL INJECTION
DRIVETRAIN: RWD
EXTERIOR COLOR: IVORY
INTERIOR COLOR: RED
INTERIOR SURFACE: LEATHER
BODY STYLE: CONVERTIBLE
WHEELS: FACTORY
HIGHLIGHTS
Original ivory over red leather. Black canvas top with ivory factory hard top.
Working factory Becker Europa radio.
All original factory books, tool kit and repair manual.
Working factory FrigiKing A/C.
Color matched hubcaps, including jack and spare tire.
Extra Nardi steering wheel as seen in pics. Original is on the car currently.
Drives and performs as factory new / controls and accessories work as they should.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVALAIBLE UPON REQUEST / any and all small imperfections are shown in the photos.
OVERVIEW
The history behind the exceptional 1971 280SL is the effort of love by a North Shore Fuelfed member. It was purchased in the original, rust-free form from Utah in 1989 with 55,125 miles, (copy of original title available).
The vehicle was professionally restored both mechanically and cosmetically for the next two years. It is a numbers matching, original color car, redone in the factory spec ivory over red leather, a black canvas soft top and ivory hard top. We have historical receipts and photos documenting the restoration and maintenance thereafter, including an original PPI inspection letter from Alan Eisenberg of Autohaus on Edens with his analysis from 1989.
Once the restoration was completed, the car has lived a pampered life on the North Shore, servicing it regularly, maintaining it mechanically and aesthetically with whatever was needed to keep it in perfect condition. Never seeing snow or harsh weather.
It currently has 59,455 miles and is on consignment from the enthusiastic owner. We recently gave it a time-up, new battery, and service before putting it on display in the showroom.
As you may have seen, the market for these is on the rise, following the footsteps of the 190 and 300 SLs.
ABOUT THE MERCEDES 280SL
Originally launched at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the 280 SL (or in Mercedes-Benz speak, the W113) was a clean sheet design for a new decade. The 280 SL was the last of the series, and has maintained the timeless style which is still instantly recognizable as a Mercedes. Considered a drivable classic, as well as a collectible investment.
Accredited to Frenchman Mr. Paul Bracq, who headed the Mercedes-Benz design studios at the time, the 280 SL was a technological tour de force when it debuted, and featured a fuel-injected, overhead camshaft, straight-six engine displacing 2778cc, producing 170 horsepower. With disc brakes on all four wheels, a rarity for the time period, Mercedes-Benz took lengths to ensure the 280 SL stopped as well as it went too. Four- and five-speed manual transmissions were available, but most American-market SLs were equipped with a smooth shifting four-speed automatic. 60 mph comes up in 8.6 seconds and stops from 70 mph in just 233 feet, so even today the SL still has enough performance that one could conceivably drive it everyday. Air conditioning was an option too for those in sunnier climates.
Its no lightweight though. While the SL in Mercedes nomenclature stands for Sport Leicht or Sports Lightweight, this is somewhat of a misnomer as the 280 SL is more of a cruiser, and a very solid one at that, make no mistake. The unibody construction featured front and rear deformation zones, a first for a sports car. An aluminum hood, deck lid and door skins saved precious pounds, but the construction of the Pagoda roof that gives the car its nickname is a marvel in itself. It is the work of Mr. Bela Barenyi, who headed Mercedes-Benz pre-development department. While beautiful, airy, and seemingly delicate, it is as solid as the body structure and designed to withstand a load of 1000 Kg. Bela designed it that in a way so a driver could see clearly from all sides without obstruction from the pillars, and avoid potential troubleand that the construction of the hard top would provide enough rollover protection if the driver could not.
Values of the SL are on the rise, perhaps somewhat attributable to the overall rise in prices amongst its forbearers carrying the SL nameplate, the famous 300 SL, and its baby brother, the 190 SL, but the W113 series is more than capable and valuable in its own right. Demand was reflected in the appeal of the carMercedes sold 48,912 of the W113 worldwide. 23,885 of those were the 280 SLs, and of those, half came to the USA. Hagertys valuation tool indicates that, lately, prices have been rising quickly for the 1968-1971 280 SLs, especially for ones in excellent condition. And for good reasonthey are beautiful, usable, and have enough modern conveniences to remain comfortable today. Their driving dynamics are sporting enough, refined and comfortable, even for a car over forty years old. The bucket seats are supportive, and the low shoulders invite one to rest an arm, while cruising. And like any Mercedes-Benz from the era, its build quality is impeccable.
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ABOUT MANCUSO MOTORSPORTS
This is a great example of the type of inventory Mancuso brings to market. We have three requirements each vehicle must meet - above average condition for this make/model; proper equipment to maximize the driving experience; and, competitive pricing based on condition. If you're interested in a high level of performance and value, you're looking at the right car.
Financing and extended warranty coverage are available.
We encourage you to visit our showroom and see this car for yourself.
For more detailed information, please call/text (312) 624-8586 or email info@mancusomotorsports.com.
Trades are always welcome at Mancuso Motorsports.
Low financing and extended warranty available.
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