M116 powered 280SL

[mikeswplt]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-mercedes-benz-280sl-41/

[Jonny B]

And already up to $95K!

[JohnnyC]

Greetings Gents and Gals, Looks like someone knew what they were doing with this restoMod.  I’ll bet it’s awesome to drive.

Cheers and God Bless,
JohnnyC

[Cees Klumper]

So much for originality being so important, let alone 'numbers matching`. Nice car!

[mdsalemi]

So much for originality being so important, let alone 'numbers matching`. Nice car!

Speaking of numbers, notice the non-redacted license plate…

[Benz280]

Some say that MB was thinking of this setup, then came the 107 .
Another 3.5 113 on the market : https://www.hatchandsons.com/inventory/1969-mercedes-benz-280slr-35/

[lreppond]

The manner in which the air conditioning is integrated below the dash is absolutely gorgeous.  Unlike the dealer add-on FrigiKing units this particular design looks like an effort was made to have a coordinated design rather than a mere tack on unit.  Very similar to the Behr units on the 3.5 coupe/cabriolet. 

I would describe myself as a purist and usually don’t like “updated” versions of w113.  But this is one of the best examples I’ve ever seen.  As others have suggested it’s got to be a blast to drive.

[Lorsar]

This was on BAT last year and didn't sell at $147k

[Leester]

To Len's point, I think the inside AC unit is from a W108 sedan of the era with some slight modifications. I totally agree that the dealer installed W113 AC unit ranks among the ugliest, out of place add ons ever. I'm at the stage of thinking about what kind of AC unit I want. It definitely will NOT be the dealer installed. I was trying to figure out how to replicate the 3.5 C/Cab Behr but the sedan unit works better than I thought it would. The sedan unit uses a large single fan wheel rather than the Behr's dual squirrel cage fan wheels and I'm not sure it moves as much air.

[Benz Dr.]

I think it would have looked better if they trimmed the AC evaporator housing in black rather than red. Too much red: dash, carpet, seats, and that thing, starts the kitch going.

[lreppond]

Hey Dan

I totally agree.  I’d keep the a/c unit in red to integrate with the dash covering but I think the carpets should be in black or charcoal to cut the monotony of all that red.  Red can be overwhelming when used this much and I think it definitely verges on too glitzy for a car appreciated for its reserved & restrained styling. 

[stickandrudderman]

It does look lovely but if I were to do that conversion I would use a later 116 with alloy block and KA injection.

[MikeSimon]

We talked about this before, but I remember MB built 3.5L mules in the W113 body before the introduction of the R107

[GM]

Just sold for $226k
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-mercedes-benz-280sl-41/

[teahead]

9.5:1 compression with 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5,800 rpm and 286 N⋅m (211 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm.


Seems like an awful lot of trouble for barely any more HP/Tq.

I dunno, I prefer 6 cylinders in these things.

Like a 94/95 3.2L M104.  If possible, find an AMG version (3.6L).