• Rare California Coupé model • Delivered new in the UK for onward export • Automatic transmission • Circa 35,000 miles from new • Present ownership since 2012 This Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is an example of the 'California Coupé', a 2+2 version (first introduced on the 250 SL) that came with a rear bench seat occupying the space hitherto reserved for the convertible top.

A removable hardtop provided the weather protection.

The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967 powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL's.

The 280 SL's 120mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's.

Christened 'Pagoda Top' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly ...