1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 Series

The Mercedes-Benz W113 SL was developed under the direction of Mercedes-Benz Technical Director Fritz Nallinger, Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and Head of Styling Friedrich Geiger. The lead designers were Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi. The design featured the patented, slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the 'Pagoda' nickname. The model was in production from 1963 through 1971 and was powered by an in-line six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection. The larger capacity 280, with the 2.8-liter engine, was introduced in 1967.

The Mercedes-Benz fifteen 'New Generation' models were publicly displayed for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1967 and went on sale the following January. It remained largely unchanged until 1971. The 280 SE fuel-injected saloon shared the bodyshell with the 'New Generation' 280 S, however, the 280 SE Coupe and Convertible retained the looks of the outgoing 250 SE that had been introduced in 1959 on the 220 SE, designed by Paul Bracq. The all-new Type M130 engine was an overhead-camshaft six-cylinder unit with a 2,778cc displacement. With the help of the fuel-injection system in the 'SE' form, the seven-bearing M130 delivered 160 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. Transmission options included a manual or an automatic. The suspension system was essentially the same as the equivalent saloon model but with a lower ride height. Disc brakes at all four corners provided the stopping power.

One of the benefits of the fuel-injected M130 engine was its fuel economy and emissions control.

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 Series was available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible and was powered by an overhead-cam six-cylinder engine with two carburetors and delivered 157 horsepower. The 280SE, 280SL, and 280SEL versions received the same engine but with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and Bosch fuel injection system and delivered 180 horsepower. A four-speed manual was standard with an automatic available as optional equipment.

The interior featured a leather-covered dashboard and most examples had leather upholstery. There was a Becker radio, and round speedometer and rev counter flanking vertically stacked gauges. The padded convertible top was manually operated. The list of options included central locking and power-assisted steering, electric windows, and air conditioning.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012