The success that Mercedes-Benz had with the 300SL and 190SL encouraged the company to introduce a new series, called the W113, which debuted in 1963. Powered by an enlarged version of the overhead camshaft straight six-cylinder engine that had already proven itself in the 220SE, the W113 also featured fully independent suspension and monocoque construction. The original 230 was succeeded by the 250SL in 1965 and by the 280SL in 1968. These were essentially similar cars but with larger engines and higher levels of comfort and sound deadening. Being the final iteration of the W113, the 280SL is generally appreciated as the most powerful, refined and desirable model in the series. It offers a pleasurable, comfortable driving experience in most any situation, and the rock solid build quality put into these cars offers worry-free motoring as well.

This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is finished in red and is a two-top car with a matching red ‘pagoda roof’ removable hardtop, black soft-top and like new black leather seats. The exterior is complemented with color-coded hubcaps and whitewall tires. It is a particularly desirable model with both air conditioning and a four-speed manual transmission only infrequently seen on the 280SL, most of them delivering power from their 180-horsepower straight-six through an automatic gearbox. It also has a beautiful Nardi steering wheel. This is a very well-presented, straight and solid 280SL that is highly usable and an excellent choice for weekend outings. Just as it has for over four decades, this 280SL will ably offer the pleasant, gratifying, comfortable and reliable travel that has earned the 280SL the respect of generations of drivers.