MERCEDES-BENZ SL SERIES: 1963-1971
250 SL (continued)
In my opinion the black
paintwork on this car doesn't bring out the elegant lines of the car, but it sure looks
special.
The advantages of the bigger engine (compared to the 230 SL) in the 250 SL are limited.
Maximum speed and horsepower are about the same, only maximum torque (223 Nm @ 4200 rpm)
is a bit (about 20 Nm) higher and better available. It makes the car a slightly improved
tourer, with better acceleration and a reduced need for gear changes.
The interior of this
250 SL looks a bit gloomy. On this picture you have a good view of the odd looking wooden
inlay behind the windscreen, in this interior that is as new. I'm glad that a radio from
the same era as the car has been fitted in the dashboard, that gives it a real authentic
look.
280 SL (1967-1971, 23 885 units produced)
Most
popular SL on the classic car market is of course the 280 SL. It may be the most recent
version but it fetches the highest prices. The main reasons for that are the perfected
development of the car and the engine that suits this SL series best.
Estimations are that about 49% of these cars are in excellent original condition and only
17% in a lousy condition. The best ones do nowadays about twice their original purchase
price (which was considerably higher that that of the 230 SL) and the lousy ones are still
more valuable than a 230 SL in a similar condition. There's however almost no difference
in value between a 230 SL or a 280 SL in a mediocre condition.
The
280 SL looks its best with the top down, but in this two-tone color scheme the hard top
doesn't spoil the lines. In reality the height of the hardtop seems a bit out of
proportion. It certainly offers enough headroom.
The advantages of the 280 SL are of course the larger engine that translates into a higher
straight line speed and a better acceleration, and the more recent production that makes
it the most modern of all Pagoda-types. But there are some disadvantages too: it is renown
for somewhat sluggish handling and a relatively soft suspension configuration. It's a bit
overweight, certainly with all extras fitted (like airco and automatic gearbox). All this
overshadows the original, carefully balanced driving and handling experience this line of
SL models started out with.
So which of these SL models would I choose? I must admit that the 250 SL
appeals most to me. It has the modern engine, the disc brakes and the sporty handling with
a touch of exotica, thanks to its limited production, thrown in for good measure.
This picture has been contributed by RitzSite visitor Bob from Naples,
Florida USA. It shows a very beautiful example of an American version of a 1971 280 SL. It
has 52,000 original miles on the clock and is kept in an air-conditioned garage. Bob takes
very good care of his car, that's for sure!
This concludes this section of RitzSite. If you'd like to see more of this wonderful range of cars, then check out these additional pages:
The Mercedes SL-galleries; 3 thumbnail pages, one per model line, featuring a variety of original SL pictures in a larger size which can be used as wallpaper for your computer desktop or just be viewed for your enjoyment;
Modified 1968 Mercedes 280 SL: 6.3 litre muscle car; 5 pages showing the process of transforming a rusty and run down 280 SL into an extremely powerful roadster.
1964 Mercedes 230 SL Pininfarina coupe: the mystery car; 2 pages about the unique and beautiful 230 SL coupe with a body by Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina.
Mercedes 300 SL 1952 - 1963; 6 pages about the famous model that established the Mercedes SL series.
Mercedes 190 SL 1955 - 1963; 7 pages about the model that preceded the Pagoda SL.
More in-depth info about the Pagoda SL can be found on the site of the Pagoda SL Group; their Technical Manual can be especially helpful for anyone that owns or wants a Pagoda SL.
Finish the tour by clicking the arrows pointing right.
