Original 280SL with manual transmission

[Pastarnac]

I am on the market for a 280SL, manual. I am looking for a vehicle with the original elements in place, welds, notches and numbers matching.

It can be a project car but free of rust or limited rust. A/C is a bonus but not a deal breaker if not present.

There are few color combinations that I prefer like tobacco, dark blue, dark green exterior with white or tan interior. Other colors are welcome but they will need the wife  approval...

Send me a description of what you have.

Thanks,
Stan

[Rolf-Dieter ✝︎]

Stan,

Check out Bud’s Benz they have several nice cars for sale. They use Hemings to list the cars as well.

Here —-> https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/mercedes-benz/280sl/2185537.html

Dieter

[Garry]

As an interest question, why are you only looking for a 280 and not keeping your search open for a good car whether it is 230, 250 or 280 given that the 230 is the original concept with all the chrome and not plastics, the 250 early is the best of both worlds with an engine that has increased bearings and the later 250 goes plastic and the 280 comes with a bigger engine to cover all the pollution gear but brings with it over heating gremlins? Milage is unlikely to be a determinate in deciding on a 230 250 or 280 given that they all are or about to turn 50 years or more.



Just a question but a common mistake i think a lot of people make in locking in only one model they are going to buy without necessarily knowing the full story on the Pagoda as a changing model over its life time.

Garry

[MikeSimon]

Good point, Garry - however....
When I look at a certain vehicle that went through several "generations", I tend to prefer the latest one. Just because of the progress in technology and engineering. Especially when a model was made over a period of 7 or 8 years.
One thing that always turned me off the 230SL were the rear drum brakes...
To the OP: Not sure that I would prefer a manual over an automatic. Just because of the limited life of a clutch and the associated repair effort every so many miles.

[cabrioletturbo]

Stan,

It would be nice if you could provide where your budget is (+/-).

I must say there is almost no car without rust (concourse and museum quality excluded, and even then).
Also, if you are looking for an original car (welds, drivertrain), be prepared to hand out a few dollars.

Maybe you start with what type of work you would be willing to do on a car - that may help narrow down a 'project' car for you.
That dream car of yours may not be around the corner of where you live. Are you willing to travel for the right car?

P.S. The 'wife' requirement may be a put-off for any serious reply. So perhaps you want to address that one first yourself 

[specracer]

Stick to your guns on a 3 pedal car (sorry, I just am a manual fan)! And hope you bring another SL to MA.

[Benz Dr.]

Stan,

Check out Bud’s Benz they have several nice cars for sale. They use Hemings to list the cars as well.

Here —-> https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/mercedes-benz/280sl/2185537.html

Dieter

Why does it have to be numbers matching when that doesn't matter for our cars?

[Benz Dr.]

Good point, Garry - however....
When I look at a certain vehicle that went through several "generations", I tend to prefer the latest one. Just because of the progress in technology and engineering. Especially when a model was made over a period of 7 or 8 years.
One thing that always turned me off the 230SL were the rear drum brakes...
To the OP: Not sure that I would prefer a manual over an automatic. Just because of the limited life of a clutch and the associated repair effort every so many miles.

Those rear drum brakes work better than you might imagine. The biggest problem I find with them is leaking cylinders caused from lack of servicing.

The clutch last a lot longer than you might imagine but that depends on the kind of driving you do. That would also hold true for brakes and general wear that's part of city driving.

[Garry]

Good point, Garry - however....
When I look at a certain vehicle that went through several "generations", I tend to prefer the latest one. Just because of the progress in technology and engineering. Especially when a model was made over a period of 7 or 8 years.
One thing that always turned me off the 230SL were the rear drum brakes...
To the OP: Not sure that I would prefer a manual over an automatic. Just because of the limited life of a clutch and the associated repair effort every so many miles.

I actually think the car went backwards other than the drum brakes that are really not a big problem as Dan said and maybe the improved crankshaft but that’s debatable.  The loss of the niceties in the door fittings design and the greater use of plastics later and at the same time removal of the chrome to my eye lowered its chic look.


And to think i sold my ‘69 280sl 5 speed to buy a ‘65 230sl auto 🙀🙀🙀🖖🏼 If I had my time again i would buy an early 250sl Auto or stick,

[Jordan]

I actually think the car went backwards other than the drum brakes that are really not a big problem as Dan said and maybe the improved crankshaft but that’s debatable.  The loss of the niceties in the door fittings design and the greater use of plastics later and at the same time removal of the chrome to my eye lowered its chic look.


And to think i sold my ‘69 280sl 5 speed to buy a ‘65 230sl auto 🙀🙀🙀🖖🏼 If I had my time again i would buy an early 250sl Auto or stick,

+1 and personally, definitely manual over auto.

[MikeSimon]

Personal preferences.... Usually, I am a manual guy also. I have a Corvette ZR-1 with a 6-speed and would not want an automatic (it wasn't available with this anyway) and my favorite transmission is a double-clutch with paddle shifters like in my wife's and my Audi. But in a vintage car of that provenance, the choice of an automatic over manual is always the one. The thought of having to remove the transmission for a clutch replacement just bugs me. Besides, when you buy a used one, you never know how close you are to a necessary replacement.
And the difficulty of service for a drum brake over disk is also the main turn-off . And I don't think there is a serious debate over a 7 bearing engine being an improvement over a 5 bearing one, is there?

[Iconic]

Alright gentlemen, nice same old discussion ....     (just a joke, no offense intended)
I'm willing to wager the Original Poster is not even listening. LOL
MikeSimon, thank you for sticking up for the "modern" Pagoda 

[Garry]

Come on Mark, I love this debate.  People sitting with the early 250 must be laughing to themselves on having one!!!


Definately no debate over the improved engine. I think it is just a shame that some of the original external design cues were also changed to meet government regulations and not because of improvements in design.


What a polite way to call the introduction of plastics as  “ Modern “ 

[Iconic]

Come on Mark, I love this debate.  People sitting with the early 250 must be laughing to themselves on having one!!!
Definately no debate over the improved engine. I think it is just a shame that some of the original external design cues were also changed to meet government regulations and not because of improvements in design.

I actually don't mind the debate. But I prefer it in person over a beer.
That applies to a lot of things.    ... over a beer.

[MikeSimon]

  But I prefer it in person over a beer.
 .    ... over a beer.

Well....as they stopped making "The Better Half" for the season, there is really no incentive to do that...

[johnk]

I love my manual transmision, but I've always loved them.

[hauser]

I love to shift! 

[PeterW113]

If you live in London, you might change your mind😉

[Cole]

Hi Stan,

I have a very original '68 280SL for sale.
Take a look at the following info and feel free to contact me to talk more about it.
I'll also be posting the car in the Items for Sale section.

Cheerio.
Cole

Basic description:
The car has an interesting history with an option code of "620" indicating that it originally went to Italy. It later went to the Seattle, WA area and was in storage for many years. It's been very well cared for with no accidents
Newly painted in original white (50 G) with new light brown interior, new black soft top and white hard top
Four-speed manual transmission giving it additional sports car appeal
The car is very strong mechanically
The motor is original with the correct "130 983 10 001485" motor number that matches the data card
Very good, rust-free, original body and solid, original floors
The fenders and nose panel are original with factory spot welds
Original hood with matching body number stamped on upper left corner
Original factory hardtop and convertible top horseshoe lid, both with matching body numbers
The newly painted hard top is original with matching body number
Excellent new interior -- new light brown seats, door panels, dash pad and carpet
Major mechanical servicing was done with partial motor rebuild
new piston rings
new rod bearings
valve job; head resurfaced; new gaskets
new water pump
new motor mounts
new starter
new alternator
replaced brake calipers
radiator cleaned
rebuilt fuel injection pump
New white wall tires
The car also has a number of other new cosmetic items such as the new European headlights, Mercedes grill star, fender lenses, firewall pad with correct pattern, glove compartment light, and other items.
The car is priced at $68k and is located in Los Angeles.

[Lou]

I’ve got a 280sl  68 for sale. Black/black mb Tex
Call me and I’ll give you any details you need

Lou
630-817-8392

[specracer]

Kind of a bummer, when a person starts a thread, with their 1st post on the site, then ghosts, especially when good leads are presented. Hopefully they will return.

[Pastarnac]

Thanks all for posting.

I got a 1968 280SL with all numbers matching, data card, little to no rust. The owner did not do too much except to keep it garaged in CA.
 
I am in the middle of repairing the A/C, radio, auto antenna, leaking rear diff, changing carpets, changing/repairing the ventilation levers, tune-up.

Also detailing and later maybe painting the engine compartment.

The "wife element" made this an automatic which has a hard shift - to my taste. I am talking about the car, not the wife... I have to identify a good transmission mechanic - next to Providence, RI, to tune it up.

I am happy with my new hobby!

[Mike Hughes]

Congratulations on your new Pagoda!

The M-B automatics of the 60's were a little sharp shifting compared to typical American automatics.  This is mostly due to M-B using a fluid coupling instead of a torque converter.

That said, if you want to have someone look at it who really knows these cars like the back of his hand, since you live in New England take it to Gernold Nisius at SL Tech in Arundel, Maine.

[MikeSimon]

Thanks all for posting.

I got a 1968 280SL with all numbers matching, 

I know that has been beaten to death, but I still would like to know how you determined that? What numbers are "matching"

[Iconic]

Mike,
First you get a Data Card from MB Classic Center. The Data Card is specific to a single car produced.
Then, quite simply, then if the numbers on that Data Card, match the numbers on your car .... then you have numbers matching the data card .... which means you have the same components (engine, transmission, frame, front hood, convertible top cover .......) that the car was originally built with. That is, unless someone did something like faking the numbers.
Having matching numbers doesn't guarantee anything, but having numbers that don't match does guarantee that someone has changed that component or part of the car since it left the factory. Of course since it has been a half a century since our cars were built, some people (ME) think it is cool to have the same metal all together, all those years without someone switching something out.
That is it.
If you look in the Tech Manual of this site, there is a lot of information explaining exactly what is on the Data Cards. They changed over the years and we even have all of the details of the changes in the Tech Manual.
I have seen that you have questioned this before.
If you still don't get it, speak up and we will try to explain more.
Good luck,
Mark

[Pastarnac]

Thanks all for info.

Maine is quite 2hrs drive  to get to the mechanic but I am considering. No W113 specialists in Providence?

See attached my MB Data Card. I have the pics with all SN but looks like there is a restriction on attachments

[mbzse]

.../...See attached my MB Data Card.../...

I would advise you to digitally cover (block off) the key Numbers (box 16, 17 and 18) on this your data card image

[mclewis]

I have had good experiences with Jim Cosgrove of Oldtimer Restorations in Harvard, MA, which should be closer to you.