Lot 042: 1971 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL CALIFORNIA COUPE

Last of the W113 line, the 280SL was launched in 1968. Blessed with the same effortlessly elegant Paul Bracq styling as its earlier siblings, it was powered by a new seven bearing crankshaft 2781cc straight-six engine that developed some 180bhp and 193lbft of torque. Equipped with all round independent suspension and ATE disc brakes, its 'square' track (some eight inches wider than the contemporary Jaguar E-type) gave notably sure-footed handling. Able to blur the divide between city streets and open roads with ease, the majority of 280SLs were specified with four-speed automatic gearboxes and power assisted steering. Finished in off-white with matching detachable hardtop, this particular left-hand drive example has been part of the collection since 1989. Thought to have had just four registered keepers from new, it retains its original German 'Kraftfahrzeugbrief' document. Upholstered in red with colour co-ordinated carpets, body-coloured dashboard and rear bench seat, it benefits from a Becker Mexico radio-cassette player, automatic transmission, vanity lights and front headrests. While, its boot contains a spare wheel, luggage straps and a tool roll.