Beschreibung
1969 Mercedes 280SL. - Automatic -First registered 01/ 08/ 1969. - Factory manufacture date 26/ 02/ 1969 Colour Metallic Beige – Factory Pagoda Hard top – Factory Soft Top. – Petrol – 95500mls Chassis No. 113. 044. 22. 008278 – Engine No. 130. 044. 22. 005256 Reg: MAN 280L/ REL 740H
The car is basically standard as it left the factory in 1969.
The only modifications are that I have fitted an Aluminium sump Guard as I always felt that the Engine sump (being very low in front of the front cross member) was very vulnerable to possible damage as the suspension on these cars is quite soft.
The only other additions are as follows: Two Front Spot lamps and rear reversing lamps properly wired via relays etc. The added radio is non-period (I’m afraid). A Centre Arm Rest Console which hides an additional Hydraulic Handbrake (which is useful as Mercedes never made Right hand Drive Cars with the handbrake on the right side making the original difficult to reach).
In the twenty years I have had the car I have replaced/ renewed many parts including, Brakes, Suspension, Wheel bearings, Prop-shaft bearings, Steering linkages.
I have also had the Gearbox, Engine and fuel injection pump overhauled by specialists.
More recently I have had both sides lower sills replaced which are the only part of these cars which are particularly vulnerable to rusting. Following this the car was resprayed. At the same time the door seals on each side of the car were replaced.
I found the Brake Fluid on Mercedes can easily boil when used for extensive Alpine touring so I had the Brake fluid changed for SRF High Temperature brake Fluid which solved the problem.
Everything on the car works just as it was intended to, including all electricals etc.
The Soft Top (which lives under the compartment in the rear of the car) which fits excellently, is in very good condition and is weatherproof.
The Hard Top which also fits very snug is also wind and weather tight.
The car is not absolutely concourse, but not far from being so. There is no rust, and the upholstery and carpets are in excellent condition, with no tears or scuffs.
The chrome work is all in very good, with a small exception of a scuff on the outer corners of the rear bumpers.
The body paintwork is in very presentable condition with no rust, although you might find the odd small stone chip if you look very carefully.
The car drives exceptionally well, everything works as it should, is very comfortable, easily keeps up with modern traffic with no problem and is a pleasure to drive. History 1969 Mercedes 280SL – MAN 280L
I bought the car early 2003 from a Mr Ian Bradshaw of Norfolk through Adam Pointer (Adams Automotive engineering) a very well-respected Mercedes Specialist in Norfolk.
Adam did some initial work on the Mechanics of the car for me (which the previous owner had not managed to solve using another well-known Mercedes specialist) and it drove beautifully.
Since that time, I have kept on top of things having had the Gearbox overhauled and replaced various wheel bearings, steering and suspension parts along with improvements to the Brakes.
I have used the car for pleasure and initially for some long-distance classic tours, hence the reason for the additional bits and pieces I refer to in the description.
There is a file of papers and receipts that come with car together with lots of useful information and handbook, together with record of the car’s previous ownership.
As far as I am aware the car has no history of any accident damage and I have certainly found no evidence of any over years.
It is a very comfortable, well performing car that is a pleasure to drive and own.
I have a large History File of works done over the years with many receipts and other information relating to the model.
I am now 80 years of age, and I am afraid it is time for the car to go to a new home.
