1969 European 280SL Automatic $45,000

[69EUROPAGODA]

After over 40 years in the family, it is time for our European Numbers-matching 3-owner 1969 280SL Automatic with 93,376 original KILOMETERS...to find a new home!  Below are a few initial details for your consideration:

- Imported from Germany in 1972 (second owner purchasing from original owner) as a high school graduation gift
- In 1982, the second owner's boyfriend damaged the front valance (aesthetic/cosmetic only)
- Instead of repairing the vehicle, having owned it for 10 years, the second owner decided to sell
- Purchased by our family in 1982 from second owner
- During the aesthetic/cosmetic repairs, our family changed the color from white to silver and reupholstered the interior
- The car has lived in Arizona since 1972 and garage kept
- in 2023 we:
  - Replaced the fuel system (tank/lines/filters/pump)
  - Installed new tires
  - Reconditioned the wheels (media blasted, primed, painted to match the car)
  - Replaced the brakes
  - Installed a new alternator
  - Paint work / Rejuvenation
  - More info. available upon request*
- Data card in-hand to verify vehicle information
- The soft top is intact, however it will not fully extend to the windshield due to two pieces (one on each of the base mount/hinges) that have broken

ASKING $45,000 USD

[Cees Klumper]

Nice color! Are you sure those wheels are original? At least the hubcaps look like they belong to a (much) older Pagoda.

[69EUROPAGODA]

Good Evening,

Thank you.  I was a child when the car came into the family and those are the same wheels & hub caps that it has had since.  However, I know they are traditionally a 230 hubcap system (bundt cake is what I think they believe they call it).  I did ask the person we bought it from, who imported it in '72 from Germany, but she did not recall what the hub caps were when she received it (as she has had more than one pagoda).

[69EUROPAGODA]

I will say this... regardless of what is correct or not... I like the SILVER vs. WHITE and always liked the two part hubcap system that seems to be more a 230 vs. 280 match... the next owner can change it if they like... for another 40 years... will keep it the way it is if not sold :-)   and yes... I'm young enough to easily make another 40...

[rwmastel]

Nice Pagoda.  If I recall correctly, early Euro 280s had a hotter camshaft which gave a few more hp in the higher RPMs.

Yes, those are definitely 230SL wheels/caps, but no big deal.  Can be replaced, as you say.

What might help with the sale is stating if you have maintenance and repair records that support and document the low milage (kilometerage?).   A car with only about 60,000 miles could be a big deal for some people.

A few more pics would help generate interest, but also maybe draw criticism?  For some reason, some people enjoy "picking apart" cars for sale.  They know historically correct, and simply wrong or damaged stuff, when thet see it and need to comment.  Hopefully you have a lot of pics stored online and can share a simple link here, or just to interested parties.

GLWS

[DaveB]

I think the earliest 280SL did have those two piece wheel trims.

[Pawel66]

I think the earliest 280SL did have those two piece wheel trims.

The first 44 280SL cars had the dog bowl and rim style of wheel covers. The VIN number will tell the truth.

But honestly - I do not think it is very important. The car looks good!

[MikeSimon]

Nice Pagoda.  If I recall correctly, early Euro 280s had a hotter camshaft which gave a few more hp in the higher RPMs.

Rodd, from what I think I learned was that one of the hottest camshafts for M130-983 was No 2. Which differed from another version only in the material. My car is a late 1970 (November built) and has a 02 camshaft.

[69EUROPAGODA]

Good Evening,

Thank you for the message.  I appreciate the feedback and insight.  The link to a cache of photos is a great idea (and there are several photos). 

Thanks!

Lawrence