One to Buy: 100-point Moss Green Metallic 1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SL
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Although Mercedes’ second generation SL was not a direct replacement for the W198, the new W113 began a line of supremely elegant open top boulevard cruisers that offered unmatched aesthetic and driving appeal.
Having initially been manufactured in 230 trim when production got underway during June 1963, the original 2.3-litre variant was replaced by a 250 SL from December 1966. Twelve months later, the even more potent 280 SL arrived and remained in production February 1971.
In total, a little under 49,000 copies of the W113 were manufactured between 1963 and 1971. This figure comprised 19,831 examples of the 230 SL, 5196 examples of the 250 SL and 23,885 examples of the 280 SL.
Nearly 40% of production headed across the Atlantic to the United States to include this phenomenal car, chassis 11304412018172, which is currently on offer at the Canepa showroom in Scotts Valley, California.
Fitted with the desirable four-speed automatic transmission and air-conditioning, chassis ‘018172’ was ordered by Krista Moore and delivered on May 20th 1970. During the next 44 years, Krista had her Mercedes regularly maintained and added 46,000 miles to the odometer.
In 2014, the car was acquired from Krista by Mercedes-Benz US Classic Center in Irvine, California and over the next four years, chassis ‘018172’ underwent a 100-point concours restoration. This involved complete disassembly of the vehicle down to its bare chassis, after which all components were restored and replaced as necessary. Today, a rebuild of such calibre would cost in excess of $600,000.
During the restoration, the decision was made to refinish the car in the handsome combination of Moss Green Metallic with a Cognac leather interior. In addition, it was converted to the more elegant European headlight configuration. A European front bumper was also fitted along with other European items for the interior.
Following completion in 2018, chassis ‘018172’ was sold to its second custodian who added 589 miles to the odometer in a little over three years. The SL was then supplied by Canepa to its third owner in 2021, since which time only 37 more miles have been covered.
In preparation for sale, chassis ‘018172’ has been put through the “Canepa Difference” process to ensure that all mechanical systems have been serviced and tested and cosmetic finishes remain like new. This stunning W113 is being offered complete with the original hardtop, book pack, tools, jack and spare wheel.
