The 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL stands as a beacon of automotive excellence, representing the culmination of the esteemed “Pagoda” series. Born from the lineage of the 230SL and succeeding the legendary 190SL and 300SL, the 280SL is celebrated for its harmonious blend of sporty performance and luxurious comfort. This particular model, a European specification variant with a rare 4-speed manual transmission and presented in its original Blue with Bamboo Leather color combination, has undergone a comprehensive rotisserie restoration, elevating it to a truly exceptional example of this classic Mercedes Benz.
The Enduring Appeal of the Pagoda SL
Introduced in 1963, the 230SL “Pagoda” marked a new design direction for Mercedes-Benz. Penned by Paul Bracq, its clean lines and distinctive upright headlights immediately set it apart. Paying homage to the iconic 300SL with its prominent three-pointed star grille, the 230SL quickly garnered acclaim. Its lightweight construction, utilizing aluminum for the hood, door skins, trunk lid, and tonneau cover, further enhanced its appeal. The nickname “Pagoda” arose from the unique, slightly concave shape of the optional hardtop roof, a moniker that has since become synonymous with the entire series and a term of endearment among Mercedes Benz enthusiasts. While initially debated, these SL models are now universally recognized as design masterpieces.
1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL: Refinement Perfected
By 1967, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 280SL, the third and ultimate iteration of the “Pagoda.” The 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL, as reviewed by Road & Track that year, was lauded as “the same as ever, just better,” encapsulating the model’s evolution. Mercedes-Benz themselves described the 280SL as a “Grand Tourer in the traditional sense,” a vehicle that seamlessly combined “sports car performance and saloon car comfort.” The 1968 280SL earned praise for its engineering excellence, sophisticated driving dynamics, and impeccable build quality, positioning it as a leader in its class for discerning drivers who valued these attributes.
The 280SL retained the robust W113 chassis, inheriting its refined rear swing axle, independent front suspension, and effective four-wheel disc brakes. The heart of the 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL was its upgraded 2.8-liter inline-six engine. Equipped with Bosch fuel injection, this engine produced a robust 170 horsepower in European specification models, such as the featured car, slightly more powerful than the US market versions. While the majority of US-bound 280SLs were fitted with 4-speed automatic transmissions, European models, and especially desirable examples like this one, often featured the engaging 4-speed manual gearbox, enhancing the driving experience for enthusiasts.
An Exceptional 280SL: A History of Care and Restoration
This particular 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL boasts a compelling history and an unparalleled restoration. Originally purchased by a Canadian air force pilot stationed in Germany, the car was imported to Canada upon his return and remained under his meticulous ownership for over a decade. It then passed through two subsequent owners, the most recent of whom cherished the car for nearly three decades, acquiring it in 1994. A retired pilot himself, he stored the vehicle in his hangar, preserving it from inclement weather and ensuring its pristine condition.
In 2016, a comprehensive, two-year rotisserie restoration was initiated, entrusted to the renowned Coachworks and Rudi & Co., and meticulously overseen by the owner. His deep involvement went beyond mere supervision; he actively sourced rare, original parts, flying them in to ensure the restoration’s authenticity and uncompromising quality. Canepa, a name synonymous with high-caliber restorations, recognizes this 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL as an exemplary achievement. Every facet of the vehicle was painstakingly returned to its factory-original condition, reflecting the owner’s extraordinary attention to detail and his commitment to exceeding even the award-winning standards of Coachworks and Rudi & Co.
During the restoration, every component was scrutinized. Mechanical elements were meticulously inspected, reconditioned, restored, or replaced using new internal engine parts for a complete engine overhaul. The body was stripped to bare metal and laser-aligned to achieve factory precision before being refinished. The paint process itself was a testament to authenticity. Even period-correct paint streaks on the hood, a result of Mercedes-Benz’s original hanging drying process, were replicated to mirror the factory finish. New factory glass, a combination of replated and New Old Stock (N.O.S.) chrome parts were utilized. The original Bamboo Leather interior and carpets were expertly restored, harmonizing flawlessly with the freshly applied paint to create the stunning original color combination.
The Canepa Difference: Assuring Unrivaled Quality
Upon arrival at Canepa, this 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL underwent the rigorous “Canepa Difference” inspection. This comprehensive process includes a thorough mechanical evaluation, ensuring all systems are checked, serviced, and restored as needed. Furthermore, the vehicle received a concours-level detailing, bringing every surface to an immaculate standard. Unsurprisingly, this meticulously restored 280SL passed the Canepa inspection flawlessly, a testament to the exceptional quality of the restoration and the care it has received. Bruce Canepa himself has only encountered a handful of 280SLs restored to this caliber, underscoring the rarity and exceptional nature of this particular example.
This 1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL represents a rare opportunity to acquire what is arguably the finest European specification example available. Its original color combination, highly desirable 4-speed manual transmission, and concours-level rotisserie restoration by Coachworks and Rudi & Co. make it a truly exceptional classic car for the discerning collector.
