1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Few automobiles make a bolder style statement than a vintage Mercedes-Benz SL. The original 300SL Gullwing and later Roadster were going to be a tough act to follow, but Mercedes succeeded in producing a smaller, more agile roadster for the 1960s, the 230SL. The W113 chassis SL would last into the early 1970s, culminating in the form of the 280SL. Many who bought these roadsters preferred the option of the automatic gearbox, but a few came equipped with a 4-speed manual. One option that appeared in 1966, however, was the ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. This was a very rare option on the 230/250/280SL and would be discontinued in 1969 and available only as a special request through the end of the production run. This 1970 280SL is one such SL so equipped, having undergone a complete frame-off restoration. For the W113 fan, it doesn’t get much nicer than this car right here.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL on Hemmings Motor News

Year: 1970
Model: 280SL
Engine: 2.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 74,208 mi
Price: $325,000

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL ZF Factory 5-Speed, Now available is this extremely rare 1970 Mercedes Benz 280SL ZF Factory 5 speed finished in Beige Grey (DB728) with a dark green leather interior. The car has undergone a complete frame-off restoration by the same Mercedes experts that completed the 300SL roadster that we (CPR Classic) sold at RM Auctions Monterey 2013 for a record setting 1.45 million.

The car is completely matching numbers including all original body panels. The ZF optioned cars were the absolute rarest of the breed seeing only 886 produced with the 5 speed transmission out of over 45,000 SLs produced in this era. This 280 is one of roughly 250 W113 280SLs produced with the ZF 5 speed transmission. The car also has the optional limited slip differential.

Here is an opportunity to own a very rare car with only a few examples left in existence.

For pricing and additional information please call 760-723-8900 or visit us at www.CPRclassic.com

The asking price on this SL is certainly eye-watering. It’s no secret that W113s are quite valuable. Add in the rare gearbox in this one and this is one special piece. Six figures is nothing new for the W113, and Hagerty is listing values at the high end approaching $170,000. Over $300,000? I haven’t seen a W113 approach this territory yet, so even considering the rare spec, this one might be a little ahead of the curve.

-Paul