Lot #782.1 - This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is an original survivor in attractive livery, including light beige paint and contrasting red upholstery with an original-appearing patina. Retaining the original 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, this 280SL is well-equipped for driving pleasure with a 4-speed automatic gearbox, power brakes, power steering, a period Becker "Europa" AM/FM radio and the year-round comfort afforded by air conditioning. A removable "Pagoda" hardtop is included, and a handsomely wood-rimmed Nardi 3-spoke steering wheel and chrome wire-spoke wheels are desirable upgrades. Documents include a scrapbook containing the car's original pre-delivery and warranty certificates, owner's manual, and chassis and body spare parts list. Benefiting from single-collector ownership and care since 2003, this original 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL stands ready to deliver the excellent driving dynamics and timeless Continental panache for which this iconic Mercedes-Benz model is renowned. Following the ground-breaking 230SL, the "W113" SL line progressed to the 250SL of 1966-67, which ushered in 4-wheel disc brakes, and then the ultimate 280SL, produced from December 1967 to February 1971. While outwardly unchanged from its predecessors, the 280SL featured the added torque and flexibility of a larger-displacement 2.8-liter engine, making it the most popular and usable evolution of the celebrated "Pagoda" SL line. Out of total 280 SL production of 23,885 examples, 8,047 were built for 1969 and, of them, 4,102 were exported to the lucrative U.S. market, where the W113-generation SL models enjoyed growing popularity.