Oldtimer Mercedes Benz 280SL Convertible 1969

The 280SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in production through 23 February 1971, when the W113 was replaced by its successor, the entirely new and substantially heavier R107 350 SL. Over the years, the W113 evolved from a sports car into a comfortable grand tourer and US models were by then usually equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission and air conditioning. Manual transmission models were much rarer and came with the standard 4-speed or the optional ZF 5-speed, which was ordered only 882 times and thus is a highly sought-after original option today. In Europe, manual transmissions without air conditioning were still the predominant choice.
The main change for the 280SL model in 1967 was an upgrade from the 2,496 cc 250SL engine, which itself had been upgraded from the 2,306cc 230SL,  to the 2,778 cc (2.8 L) M130 engine with 180HP which finally gave the W 113 adequate power. The wide track and low body of the 280SL offered exceptional handling noted at the time by numerous car magazines and publications.
This particular example simply must be seen to be appreciated - it has only been repainted once in original Dark Blue color with matching hubcaps and has only minor imperfections. The chrome work is all excellent and the interior is stunning with all the gauges and switches and levers all in very good shape, the dashboard virtually perfect with it"s original specifications intact! The soft top is in very good shape with no particular signs of wear and the hard top is as new. The car has been sitting for some years without much use and will be in need of some TLC mechanically perhaps but is in good overall driving condition and would make a perfect candidate for the enthusiast to restore further.
With only two owners since new and with all the original documentation for the car, this must be one of the rarest examples available anywhere of an original, highly collectible and desirable late 1969 legendary 280SL roadster in rare turn-key ready daily appreciating, daily driving and daily head-turning condition. Payment in cash or by bank wire transfer within 3 days of auction end, all questions and inspections must be addressed prior to bidding! Thanks!