This 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was purchased by the seller in 1974 and has reportedly remained in the San Francisco area since. It is finished in black over red leather and is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a black removable hardtop, a white soft top, 14″ steel wheels with chrome covers, an analog clock, a push-button radio, and air conditioning. Service since 2019 includes replacing the timing chain tensioner, water…
This 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was purchased by the seller in 1974 and has reportedly remained in the San Francisco area since. It is finished in black over red leather and is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes a black removable hardtop, a white soft top, 14″ steel wheels with chrome covers, an analog clock, a push-button radio, and air conditioning. Service since 2019 includes replacing the timing chain tensioner, water pump, shocks, rear thrust-arm bushings, and clutch cylinders.
The car was finished from the factory in black (040) and was repainted in 1984. Exterior features include a black removable hardtop, a white convertible top, chrome bumpers, and a Great Seal badge on the rear valance. The left taillight lens is cracked, the convertible top is stained and worn, trim at the base of the hardtop is cracked, and cracks are noted in the paintwork.
The 14″ steel wheels wear chrome covers and 195/70 Americus Touring Plus tires. The seller states that the tie rods were recently replaced, and the shocks, rear thrust-arm bushings, and right-rear axle bearing assembly were replaced in May 2020.
The red leather upholstery and matching carpets were reportedly replaced in 2005 by Val’s Auto Upholstery of San Francisco. Equipment includes a lockable glovebox, an analog clock, and an AM/FM push-button radio.
The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer, and auxiliary gauges. The five-digit odometer shows 81k miles.
The 2.8-liter M130 inline-six is said to be a replacement and features mechanical fuel injection. The head gasket was replaced in March 2015 along with the alternator belt and the engine mounts, and the cylinder head was resurfaced at that time. The water pump and timing chain tensioner were replaced in May 2020. The oil was recently changed, and the seller notes leaks from the engine and oil cooler.
Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. A transmission fluid leak is noted along with corrosion on the left floorboard, and the seller reports that the clutch was recently replaced. The clutch cylinders were replaced in May 2017.