Lot 456: 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible

In March 1963 the new generation of SL sports cars was launched with the debut of the 230 SL at the Geneva Show. This revolutionary new model replaced the now aging 190 and 300SL models. Mercedes engineering, together with elegance and practicality, made the pagoda top SL one of the most distinctive designs of its era. In closed form it offered handsome proportions and coup-like comfort, whilst the easy removal of the pagoda hard top turned it into an open top sports car for the summer months. During the 1960's, Mercedes-Benz refined the model, later fitting the 250 engine and finally arriving at the 280SL. As today, Mercedes-Benz motor cars were never cheap, but superb build quality and sophisticated styling made the 280SL an extremely popular sports car with the rich and famous. Described as being in good to excellent condition, this is a very original car. Purchased in Holland, it has received new black leather upholstery with new carpets in black wool and a recent repaint. It is complete with current V5 registration document, MoT until May 2006 and a Mercedes Certificate of Authenticity and Build Specification. Accompanying this delightful example is the hard top which matches the seats and is painted black. As such, this car represents an intriguing chance to buy a 190SL which is not only in very good condition, but also one that remains largely original and has the papers to prove it.