280SL Roadster

Left-hand drive, power windows, power steering, air conditioning, 6-speed manual transmission

　The Mercedes-Benz 230SL (2300cc), an open-top sports car that debuted in 1963, saw its engine displacement increased to 2500cc with the introduction of the 250SL in 1966.However, to maintain power while meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the 280SL (2800cc) was introduced in 1968. Of the total production run of 48,912 units, 23,885 were manufactured—the highest number for any model—and it remains the most popular model in the lineup, both then and now.

　It was equipped with four-wheel disc brakes and featured an M130-type six-cylinder OHC engine with a single camshaft, producing 180 horsepower. Starting with the 2.5L model, the crankshaft was changed to a seven-bearing design, improving durability and quietness.
　At the time of its launch, developer Rudolf Uhlenhaut was criticized for the engine’s lack of horsepower; however, his design was based on a forward-thinking concept: even if the engine was underpowered compared to the previous-generation 300SL Gullwing, its excellent handling—thanks to the superior suspension—would more than compensate for it.It can be said that this car realized the concept of “a chassis faster than the engine,” a phrase that has since become a Mercedes-Benz catchphrase. Naturally, this vehicle is equipped with its original engine.

　Furthermore, the appeal of this 113/SL lies, above all, in its styling. Designed by the renowned Paul Black, its uniquely shaped hardtop—known as the “Pagoda roof”—and its elegant, refined design continue to be admired by people of all generations, not just Mercedes enthusiasts.Like its predecessor, the 190SL, the concept was designed to market Mercedes sports cars to the affluent—including American women—but the design, which has lost none of its appeal even after more than half a century, is truly outstanding.

　Although many were exported to North America, a significant number were equipped with automatic transmissions, power steering, and even air conditioning, making them popular today as classic Mercedes models that are easy to enjoy. In Japan, a very small number were imported starting around Showa 40 by the official importer, Western Motors (Yanase).This vehicle is a North American-spec model, one of those exported to the United States, and was previously registered in California. The
body color has been changed from the original ivory to beige metallic, and the combination with the brown leather interior is exceptionally stylish.

　This vehicle is a relatively rare example that was ordered with a manual transmission when new; among the 280SL models, such vehicles are quite scarce, as the vast majority were produced with automatic transmissions.
Additionally, a ZF-manufactured 5-speed manual transmission was available as a special option, but this is an even rarer option and virtually never appears on the market today.
　Even the standard 4-speed manual 280SL has a low-geared setup; while acceleration is good—similar to the automatic—the engine revs high at high speeds, making a 5-speed transmission desirable. With that in mind, this vehicle has been upgraded to a special 6-speed transmission, resulting in excellent high-speed performance and acceleration, making it a truly enjoyable car to drive.It is also equipped with air conditioning and power windows, both of which are in good working order. This is


a truly special 280SL—if you’re interested, please come see it in person as soon as possible.