1968 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Manual

Blue-Chip Investment 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL "Pagoda" O ffered For Sale is a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL. The car is a rolling work of art and a highly collectible piece of Mercedes history. These cars are built rock-solid and definitely personify German engineering and precision of a time gone by. This highly sought after model is a world-class automobile and is ready for the next owner to enjoy. Experience what a real Mercedes used to be. Even M-B doesn't build 'em like this anymore! For not being a restored showcar, this "Pagoda" is in excellent condition - both mechanically and cosmetically. What's definitely cool and very rare about this particular 280SL, is that it's a European model that was brought over to the states 30 years ago. It's still got the highly desired Euro headlamps and other neat appointments, such as a stick-shift transmission. Drive it as Mercedes-Benz engineers intended it to be. What a find! This Mercedes was owned for nearly 30 years by the same family. It was intended to be their mother's car, but she rarely drove it. As a result, it mainly stayed tucked in the garage and was taken out only for sunny days and special occasions. The 280SL had always been well-maintained and regularly "exercised" by starting it up, and keeping the fluids circulated. Since the recent passing of mother , the family decided to sell the treasured Mercedes that they've had in their possession since the mid 1980s. It'll feel great pulling up to the Country Club in this Mercedes. It's definitely "old-school" elegance and class. Aside from that, the quality of the car in terms of ride, smoothness, comfort, luxury, and appearance is first rate. To collectors, the allure of an SL is when it sports authentic European characteristics, rather than the safety mandated US versions, with all the added "stuff." This one is the real deal: large glass headlamps, no bumper over-riders, no side markers. The design is pure and uncluttered, as M-B intended. Classic facia displays old-world craftsmanship and an elegance that only Mercedes-Benz could produce. It doesn't get much more classic than a painted dash and chrome gauges. Dash padding is in excellent condition. All gauges are functioning properly exc. for the clock. Electrics are in fine operating condition. Lights, wipers, horn, and flashers function as they're supposed to. Even the heater works! However, the levers to regulate the heating positions are broken, but spares are included. Also, the turn signal flasher unit doesn't operate. The circuit works, as the lights come on - but they just are still, no blinking. Radio is an old-school aftermarket Blaupunkt AM/FM Cassette unit. ............ Open the door, and that period leather aroma, familiar to vintage European cars, is there and in potent supply. To me, the scent is wonderful and should be bottled. The interior is in fine condition, as you can see. Genuine M-B leather upholstery is still intact and has a nice patina. Sure, the driver's seat has some wear and a small hole on the cushion, but for being 44 years old and original, it looks good to me. Click on the Images for Larger Picture ............ Carpeting is original, and on the driver side under the CoCo mat, there is wear. All other areas are fine, including the package space behind the seats. Door panels look great. The contrast of the black with chrome accents is truly classic. Of course, the M-B build quality of these cars was unmatched. The solid shut sound of those doors like a "bank vault" is legendary. ............ Soft top looks relatively new. Canvas is thick, and plastic window is clear. .......... .......... A common area for rust, especially after 40 years, is the inside well where the soft-top is folded. Water can leak in, and if it doesn’t evaporate, corrosion can form. However, as you can see here, it’s dry as a bone and in excellent shape. Fortunately, this 280SL led a charmed life and has always been garaged. Click on the Images for Larger Picture ............ The design is so elegant and beautiful; it is a work of art. Wood near the front of the windshield looks brand new. Windshield has no cracks; even the glovebox light illuminates. ................................. Trunk is spacious for a car of this size. It's clean as well. Original mat is present. Also intact are the spare tire (with cover), factory tool kit roll, and jacking equipment. ............ Click on the Images for Larger Picture ............ Underneath, the floor is solid and in factory condition with undercoating. Rockers look good, too. A relaxing jaunt down the California coast on HWY I and stopping in the quaint town of Cambria was an enjoyable experience. It felt like being in Europe...a classic Mercedes with the top down, visiting in one of my favorite "old-world" style towns. That's what it's all about. This 280SL presents itself very well. The gold/copper finish is shiny and the chrome sparkles. The car was resprayed sometime back in the early 1980s, therefore is not the original paint. Because of the care given to it, however, the exterior still looks great since the SL was always garaged and covered. It was never abused. Panels don't show evidence of rust or corrosion. There are small dings on the doors if you look carefully, and a small one on the front fender, but nothing to cause alarm for a car of this vintage. Remember, it's not being advertised as a rotisserie restoration, but as a well looked after driver. Don't get me wrong...the Benz is very clean, and I think you'll be impressed with the condition of this fine Mercedes. It's rare to find a classic which hasn't undergone a restoration. This particular SL did not require one, as the car had been regularly maintained and loved by the same family for thirty years. Mechanically, the Mercedes has always been maintained. Remember, it was Mother's car. Recent work includes a replaced clutch slave cylinder, new brake hoses with calipers, and a new muffler. Motor and drive train are top notch. The car runs as good as it looks. Oil pressure is high; running temperature is always cool. Even if it hasn't been driven in awhile, she always fires right up, on the first try. This classic Mercedes convertible is ready to be driven and enjoyed! ............ A lot of receipts accompany this SL; all the ones from the previous owner of 30 years. Some invoices even go back to the '70s and are in German. Click on the Images for Larger Picture Take a Test Drive! Click on Video Clip Above ............ If you're a fanatic of classic Mercedes-Benzes, then you'll love this 1968 280SL. These are the last of the "true" hand-built Mercedes motorcars produced. Quality and elegance were unsurpassed and they certainly didn't compromise. Back then, you knew this was a Mercedes! This tangible investment is safer than the stock market and is something that can be enjoyed, now and in the future. Why not mix business with pleasure? This 280SL Pagoda is being advertised in a Buy it Now at $43,500 format. There is no auction, where missing out on a good deal in the last 15 seconds is a tragedy we all know too well. No, this classic Benz is being offered For Sale right now, at a disclosed price, so don't let it get away. Bid to Win! For a full, detailed description of this very collectible 1968 Mercedes-Benz, please send an email with your specific questions, or call. phone: (805) 801-2581 or email: joezcarnut@msn.com To see additional Cars for Sale, click Current Inventory . . You’re welcome to inspect this vehicle in person prior to placing your bid, or have someone inspect it for you. Stated mileage of 27,987 is current odometer reading, but due to its age, this probably is not the vehicle's actual mileage. Vehicle is being sold with a clear Oregon title. DO NOT BID unless you have the necessary funds readily available to pay for vehicle and you are SERIOUS about owning it. NOTE: seller may remove car early from auction as this vehicle is advertised elsewhere and may be sold before auction’s end Please keep in mind that when purchasing a used vehicle, most cars are not "perfect" and minor imperfections may be visible upon closer inspection. These imperfections may include, but are not limited to, small scratches and dings, rock chips, minor surface rust, small stains or tears in the carpeting, windshield imperfections, and wear on the seats. Every attempt will be made to accurately describe the "overall" condition of each vehicle. Please note that it is ultimately the responsibility of the buyer to verify the accuracy of any statements that are made regarding the condition of said vehicle. There are no guarantees as to the accuracy of the descriptions made. Please call at 805. 801. 2581 if you have any questions. Thank you. =================================================================================