1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

1969 Mercedes Benz 280SL

The Mercedes SL has become one of the most coveted models of all time and its place in the history of the automobile has been cemented as the standard to which all other luxury sports cars are measured. Finished in Signal Red over a Palomino leather interior, this 1969 280SL is a stunning example that was sold new on 12/17/1968 in San Francisco, CA and has been the subject of a thorough restoration in the late 1980s. It has been under current ownership since 2006 and includes restoration invoices and service history dating back to 1988.

This generation SL is one of the most beautiful cars to come out of Mercedes in this era and a perfect, usable classic to put into any collection. Originally finished in Anthracite Gray, the Signal Red repaint from 1988 really helps the car stand out especially when paired with the color-matched hub caps, and stunning chrome bumpers and side trim. One of the things that makes this car so appealing is that it comes with a removable hard top, making it comfortable to drive all winter, and when the sun comes out, removing the top is simple and you can enjoy top down motoring. This generation Mercedes SL gained the nickname Pagoda thanks to the distinctive concave roofline on the removable hardtop.

The Palomino leather on the interior is in exceptional condition and covers the two low-back bucket seats, door cards and dashboard. The carpet has been upholstered tan to match and the interior paired with the bright red exterior and dash accents, gives the car a truly classic sports car look. Slide into the drivers seat and you are greeted by a two-spoke Mercedes steering wheel, with a Palomino colored rim, a chrome horn ring, and a set of VDO instrumentation positioned in front of it, consisting of a 140 mph speedometer, a 7,000 rpm tach and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, engine temperature and oil pressure. Sitting in between the two front seats is the shifter for the automatic gearbox which, in the 280SL moves in the opposite direction you would expect, but like the rest of the car, is beautiful in its simplicity. A Becker stereo sits in the center of the dash just below a stunning knurled trim strip that houses the cars air conditioning, heater and fan controls.

Sitting under the hood of the 280SL is a 2.8 liter inline-6 that produces 168 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Although this generation SL was not a thinly veiled race car like the previous generation 300SL, it is still plenty quick and arguably makes a better every day car. This inline-6 is fitted with a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system as well as electric ignition, meaning that it is quite dependable and thankfully, parts are still readily available if needed. Backing up this engine is a 4-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels and to slow the car down, 4-wheel disc brakes are fitted as standard.

Regardless of if you have a large collection or just a single classic in the garage, the Mercedes Benz 280SL is one of the few vintage sports cars that truly can fit into pretty much everyones life. This example with its long term ownership and an older restoration is the perfect example to own if you want a classic to get out and drive.

Key Features

Fuel Injected 2.8 Liter Inline 6

168 Horsepower/177 LB-FT of Torque

Four Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Suspension
Four Wheel Disc Brakes
Removable Hard Top

Hard Top Cover

Canvas Convertible Top


Additional Information

Owners Manual
Warranty Booklet w/Original Warranty Card
Original Data Card
Restoration Invoices from 1988
Service Invoices from 1988 to Present


For more information on this 1969 Mercedes Benz 280SL or any of our 150+ High-Performance, Exotic, Luxury, and Special Interest Cars always in stock, contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants or feel free to drop by our 40,000+ sq ft of Indoor Showrooms in Bellevue, WA - Home of an Exciting Inventory of Luxury, Exotic, High Performance and Collectible Automobiles. With 200+ Always On Site, Nobody Has What We Have!