1968 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

M130

Automatic

11304412000356

1968 Mercedes 280SL Beautiful example Comprehensive restoration Excellent on the road Here up for bids on eBay is this beautiful Mercedes, a 1968 280SL.  This car was bought new in Walnut Creek California, and has been an Oregon car since 1995.  Always garaged, this car went from being good to great when it was treated to a cost-no-object restoration in 2004-2005.  The 280SL model marked the introduction of the larger displacement M130 motor with an increase of 20HP over the earlier models.  Being a 1968 model though, it still retains the all-red tail lights that are preferred over the amber-red lights that were introduced the following year.  1968 models were also unique in that their bumpers were thankfully devoid of the over-riders that came in 1969.  The 68's did benefit however from the 280SL safety improvements that reflected the new DOT regulations, as well as having the convenience of power steering.  With its early SL styling and more modern mechanical underpinnings, the '68 model year is seen by many as the 'sweet spot' of the W113 series.   Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available at the bottom of the page.   Finished in its original color of "Dark Green" code 268, this is a complex color that belies its plain name, leaning more towards teal in direct sunlight and almost black at night.  The fit and finish of this car is excellent throughout.  This was a glass-out, trim-off repaint, and you can tell at the moment you look at this car that it was done right.  The paint finish is glass smooth, with arrow straight body panels, producing the optical quality reflections you see in the photos.  These SL's have an aluminum hood, deck lid, and doors - all easily damaged and prone to dings.  You'll find no damage anywhere on this car, it's in truly excellent condition.  If your eyes are good and you put your nose right up to the car you may spot one of two small prep flaws, but overall this car is at a show-quality level.  Panel gaps are all exact, and the stamped body numbers on the hood, hardtop, soft-top lid and transmission support all match.  The car rides on a set of high quality Continental radials with good tread. All 4 wheels covers are un-blemished and excellent. All of the chrome of the car was redone, every piece.  You will find no pitting or tarnishing anywhere, the brightwork on this car is first rate.  The grill is no exception; the surround, wings, barrel and star are flawless, and that's a not a word I use freely.  The headlight doors are in terrific condition with no cracks or hazing.  The perimeter gap on the hood is perfectly equal thoughout. Excellent bumpers with true triple-plate show chrome. All 14 of the lower body trim strips were restored - they look like new. Correct fender notches on both sides.  The spot welds on the inners fenders were unfortunately skimmed over during the repaint but the fenders are original to the car.  The windshield is a high quality Star-branded factory replacement in great shape with no chips or road wear. The trunk carries the original mat, tire cover, and jacking equipment.  The trunk floor is original and shows no signs of water damage. The soft top is in good shape, not quite as crisp as the rest of the car, but is serviceable with good weatherstipping and a clear back window. The soft top compartment is rust free with new weatherstripping.  In fact all of the weatherstripping on the car is new - doors, windshield, trunk, etc - nothing was overlooked.  The soft top cover lid shows none of the typical damage you see from mounting the hardtop, this one is free from dents or chipped paint, it's very nice. The hardtop is in excellent condition, with redone chrome and all new weatherstripping and glass seals.  It's rare to find a W113 hardtop that's been restored, probably because the restoration process will try the patience of a saint.  This one is good for another 50 years. The interior is excellent with redone leather seats and new carpet.  Notice the sill mats and accompanying trim strips.  To replace these 4 anodized aluminum pieces is just over $1000, but they are essential in ensuring that an SL interior looks fresh and crisp, as this does.   All gauges operate correctly, as well as the lights, signals, wipers and horn.  There are no electrical gremlins to chase down in this car.  The Becker Mexico auto-seek radio works and sounds great.  Heater levers move freely except for the plenum direction lever - it does move but it's a little stiff and I've learned not to force these, I just put it in the middle position.  The clock keeps good time.  The glovebox contains the soft top release handles in their original case (this case trades for silly money on eBay).   The map light works, and notice the tiny escutcheon on the door arm - oftentimes missing on these cars. Dash and center console wood has been redone.  Door jambs show new weatherstripping, overpriced sill trim strips and an overall attention to detail that's nice to see. Great door panels with excellent chrome on the front and rear and no mix-matched fasteners.  Both locks work and the windows wind smoothly.  Both side windows show some faint vertical scratches in the glass, not terrible, but worth mentioning.  The car has no seatbelts but has the hardware in place ready for them, they'll easily bolt right in. This SL starts at the flick of the key and just runs terrific.  Motors down the road smooth and sure, this is a nice driving car.  The car doesn't smoke, doesn't burn oil, but will leave a drop or two on the floor after driving.  The motor makes good power and has an exhaust note above 3000 rpm that is grin inducing.  The steering and suspension are tight, the car handles very well.  The transmission shifts precisely, the car brakes well, tracks straight, and basically allows you to sit back with one hand on the wheel, relax, and enjoy this fine driving automobile. Clean and correct components in this engine bay, nothing added, nothing omitted. The undercarriage shows all original floor pans with excellent fidelity and no rust issues anywhere. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level that you're comfortable with.  This auction ends Tuesday, 5-29-12 at at 12 Noon Pacific Time , 2 PM Central , 3 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plate is for illustrative purposes only.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week.   You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com.  Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping I welcome you to visit my Facebook page, where I write about the back stories of some of the cars that I've sold, and preview upcoming cars for sale. Thanks for looking!