This 280SL was originally purchased on August 20, 1969 from Foreign Motors, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts by the late wife of its current owner. The vehicle was delivered in DB350 Medium Blue over Blue Tex upholstery and equipped with an automatic transmission and a Blaupunkt radio. Comprehensive service records commencing in 1970 meticulously document the vehicle’s history. The extensive collection of these records attests to the owner’s diligent commitment to maintaining the car to an exceptional standard.
Paul Russell and Company first began servicing this 280SL in 1985 and we have continued to do so since that time. Over the past four decades, our work has extended well beyond routine oil and filter changes. The owner’s meticulous approach involved noting minor issues during the driving season and subsequently entrusting the vehicle to us each late autumn for storage, accompanied by a detailed list of items to be addressed during the winter months. Paul Russell and Company was given the discretion to assess and rectify these items without budgetary constraints, a practice that has afforded the owner 56 years of reliable and enjoyable motoring.
After considerable deliberation, the owner has decided to part with his cherished 280SL. The exterior of the car presents well overall, though some evidence of aging, specifically solvent pop, is noticeable on the deck lid and doors. The interior remains largely original, with the exception of new carpets. The soft top has been replaced and remains in good condition. Mechanically, the vehicle operates very effectively, exhibiting smooth performance without any brake pull or harsh shifting. A recent compression test indicates consistent readings of 150-155psi across all six cylinders. Furthermore, new tires have been mounted and balanced within the last three years. The odometer currently displays 92,000 original miles, a figure which is confirmed by the accompanying invoices.
Included in the sale of this vehicle is a factory hard top finished in DB350 Blue, a tool kit, the spare tire, the complete service records, the original owner’s manuals and Mercedes-Benz dealer maps, the Blaupunkt radio manual, the original data card, and a copy of the original sales invoice.