Compromise is a keyword when searching for an affordable classic European car. Sure, you might not be willing to mortgage your house to pick up a gull-wing Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupe or its somewhat less expensive 190 SL roadster sibling. But that doesn't mean that open-top Silver Star fun is forever out of range. Enter the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, the last of the two-seat convertible cars to be produced by the German brand in the original spirit of the first SL, and a legitimately attainable dream car - opens in new window or tab..
With competent handling, safe braking, and respectable power, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is a classic you can enjoy on modern roads without breaking a sweat.
The Pagoda Principle
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (W 113 in the company's chassis code lexicon) is easily identifiable when compared to modern Benz roadsters—by way of its unusual “pagoda” roof shape. That resulted from designer Bela Barenyi’s desire to create a removable hardtop that offered excellent pillar-less visibility on all sides of the car. Seen head-on, the 280 SL calls to mind the visage of its famous 300 SL predecessor, but with a wider, broader character that gives the diminutive convertible substantial road presence.
Mechanically, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL features a 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a single overhead camshaft. In Euro trim, the unit could be counted on to produce 170 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque—but most American models suffered from emissions equipment that lopped roughly 10 ponies from the final count. In the U.S., the vehicle's four-speed automatic transmission was also far more common than either its available four-speed or five-speed manual gearboxes.
The 280 SL's 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine produces between 158 and 170 horsepower.
How Can I Afford One?
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was built between 1967 and 1971, but the price-reducing strategy of buying the most recent example of any classic car doesn't seem to apply here—at least, if you look at auction results, where 1971 models post crazy numbers crossing the block. This could be due to scarcity, because while almost 24,000 280 SLs were built (with the majority making their way stateside), only 830 were 1971s. The same goes for the 1967 editions, which saw fewer than 150 cars produced, neatly book-ending the three model years you should target: 1968, 1969, and 1970.
There's a remarkable consistency to the pricing of Mercedes-Benz 280 SLs from this period, with average prices falling between $45,000 and $55,000 for running driving roadsters. Scrape the barrel a bit to find a car with needs, and you could dip down into the high $30,000 range for a vehicle that will require some work. But a word of warning: parts for the 280 SL aren't cheap, and there are specific items in particular you might have trouble finding at any price. These include trim pieces such as the hardtop-locks, as well as anything to do with the air conditioning system that was outfitted to American market cars.
What Can Go Wrong?
Check bumper brackets carefully for rust when inspecting a potential 280 SL purchase.
It's important that any car you consider is in good running condition, because engine repairs for the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL also tend to be pricy. In 1969, the roadster went to an electronic ignition system that is known to be problematic, and if you somehow stumble across a five-speed car, then double-down on your due diligence, because it's so rare as to be difficult to source parts, if it should fail. You'll also want to make sure you check carefully for rust on the rocker panels, where the bumpers connect to their brackets, and of course the trunk pan and floor. A severely corroded car will cost multiples of its actual value to restore, and should be avoided.
Air conditioning can be expensive to repair in the 280 SL, so make sure it works before plunking over the extra cash for this feature.
Now Is The Time To Buy
Given the skyrocketing prices of 300 SL and 190 SL cars, collectors are moving in droves to the W 113 chassis, which has seen a steady rise in the price of the 280 SL over the past few years. This trend should continue to gather steam, especially considering that the 280 SL is more practical to drive in a modern setting than earlier W 113 models—thanks to its decent power and excellent braking systems.
Move fast and you can snag a $45,000 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL that you'll be able to enjoy for years. Take your time, and you'll be telling everyone how you almost had the chance to park one of these dream cars in your garage.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.