1969 Mercedes 280SL roadster, VIN 11304410006086. This example is awell-preserved, original car that was given a cosmetic restorationmany years ago and today remains in very clean and presentablecondition. Under the hood, this Mercedes has the desirable 180horsepower engine which was the most powerful engine offered in the280SL. It is coupled to a sporty, four-speed transmission thatmakes this example particularly fun to drive. When Mercedes-Benzlaunched its new 280SL roadster in 1963, it represented a hugeimprovement over the previous 190SL. A newly designed, 150horsepower, six-cylinder engine replaced the 190's four-cylinder.This engine was gradually increased in size to the most desirable180 horsepower 2.8-liter engine was developed in 1968. The bulbousbodywork of the 190 was replaced by a new, crisp, angular design,and its unusual, detachable, hardtop roof gave rise to the nickname"Pagoda Top" due to its concaved, center section. The eleganttwo-seater was never intended as a pure sports car but 280SLroadsters were often seen on the track and soon became popularrally cars. Mostly, however, the pagoda top SLs became the choiceof celebrities and the wealthy. During the mid-century modernperiod of the 1960s, these roadsters were often seen cruising sunnycoastal roads and parked in front of trendy restaurants and grandhotels. They were extremely popular in the United States and thebulk of those produced were made for US export. This 1969 Mercedes280SL roadster, VIN 11304410006086, is being offered from theestate of a well- known and respected local collector. He purchasedthis vehicle is 2008 and based upon the documentation we have, itis believed that it spent most of its life in the Midwest. Themileage indicated on the odometer is approximately 42,000 and,based upon careful inspection it is likely to be the originalmileage, however, cannot be guaranteed. This example is awell-preserved, original car that was given a cosmetic restorationmany years ago and today remains in very clean and presentablecondition. Upon inspection, they body appears to be very straightand solid. The doors, hood and trunk fit the body with even gapsand margins. The body panels appear to be free of damage and thebody lines are crisp and clear. Underneath, the floors appear to bein good condition and the trunk pan appears to be a correctreplacement. The car is likely to have been repainted once and thewhite paint is generally clean and presents well. The paint has theexpected amounts of minimal wear present but has a good, overallconsistent gloss. The most notable area of paint damage isunderneath the grill where there is some paint loss. The blackinterior is likely original and in good condition. The seats,carpets and door panels are clean and well preserved. The interiorwoodwork appears to have been recently refinished. The car isequipped with its signature, removable "Pagoda" hardtop as well asa convertible top. The convertible top shows overall wear and theheadliner on the hardtop is in need of replacement. The dashboardis original and very clean. All of the instruments and controls areintact and show well. The radio is a later, aftermarket unit, butthe original radio is present and included. The glass is clean withthe exception of a small chip in the windshield. The trunk area ismostly original and the trunk mat is well worn and should bereplaced. Under the hood, this Mercedes has the desirable 180horsepower engine which was the most powerful engine offered in the280SL. It is coupled to a sporty, four-speed transmission thatmakes this example particularly fun to drive. The enginecompartment appears mostly original and is generally clean andpresentable. Underneath, the chassis components appear to beoriginal and undamaged. The tires have less than 1,000 miles onthem. The car starts easily and runs well. In recent years,Mercedes 280 SL roadsters have become increasing popular anddesirable. This is a very clean and mostly original example thatcan be driven and enjoyed as-is or easily improved upon withminimal effort.