1969 Mercedes-Benz 230SL California Coupe Roadster I am offering this spectacular and VERY RARE 1969 280SL “California Coupe” for sale. The those unfamiliar with the California Coupe. or California Special as it was also known is a version of the famed W113 hardly known to exist. This version was a “soft top delete” option directly from Mercedes Benz (not a dealer installed modification). It features the exact same body and mechanical specifications as it’s soft top counterpart. but does not include a convertible top. The elimination of the soft top and the subsequent storage boot aided in the creation of additional space between the trunk and passenger compartment. in it’s place. a rear bench seat (which folds down into a cargo deck) was added. this is not to be confused with the optional third jump seat…this is a true 2+2 configuration. It is an ideal set-up for motoring in dry climates or close to home jaunts. the additional space is quite functional. Inclusive of the factory hardtop. the 280SL is also a practical choice with its stiffer suspension and sportier feel. While not the most practical configuration. it is now highly collectible due to it’s rarity. in addition the elimination of the soft top storage boot the lines of the car are significantly cleaner. This Pagoda was the beneficiary of a restoration some years back and still shows extremely well. this beauty is finished in Signal Red over black leatherette. This Pagoda comes complete will all of it’s original books. tools. jack. lug wrench and even the original metal wheel chock! The original factory build card is also included which shows everything about the car in terms of options and how the car was equipped the day it left the factory! This car is a very clean and honest car. it appears to retain all of it’s original sheet metal. including the floors. truck or rockers. All of the factory pinch welds are in place on the fenders. Special attention was paid to preserving the car as it had left the Stuttgart (as a matter of fact this was the second to last SL produced for this model year) meaning all parts were left as original as possible. even the firewall pad is original. -Exterior- This SL underwent a light restoration about 15 years ago. after which the owner used it sparingly. The car was parked in an enclosed garage and sat under a blanket for well over a decade. During restoration. this car was repainted in it’s original Signal Red color. which to this day looks amazing. The undercarriage is as spotless as the body. all of the metal remains solid. however the inner rockers will need to be replaced. All of the chrome trim is original and in very good condition. The car looks amazing. especially considering the fact that this is how the car was found. it had not even been washed this century! The hard top is in great condition. no dents in the metal or chrome. all the glass is nice and clear with no hazing. the headliner is in great condition with absolutely no rips or tears. -Interior- This SL is equipped with it’s original Becker Mexico Radio. clock and guages etc. The carpets. dash pad. door panels and seats appear to be all original as well. The black M-B Tex interior is in very good condition however the driver’s seat has a tear in the bolster. The carpets are spotless with no stains. wear. rips or tears. The interior chrome accent pieces are very nice. The wood trim is in good condition. As seen in the pictures. the interior is great condition. -Engine & Transmission- The drivetrain was supposedly rebuilt during the restoration process. however it is not advisable to start any car that has sat for any number of years. this car is no exception seeing how it sat for more than a decade. -Pricing- If you are looking at this auction you are most likely familiar with these vehicles and know the value of them. The value of this car is increasing from day to day. investing in the right classic car is the best and safest thing to do with your money!!!! Not only do you have something that will only appreciate in value. but you will have something to use and build lasting memories with. -Terms of sale- I have full faith in the quality of this vehicle and confidence in the accuracy of it’s description. unfortunately disclaimers have become part of life these days. hence the following: Buyers are more than welcome. and even encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person BEFORE the auction ends. Do all of your homework and due diligence before the auction ends and bid accordingly!!!! Please do not assume anything and DO ask questions you might have in regard to this car. Please remember that this is a vehicle that is 46 years old. so even though it is in outstanding physical and mechanical condition in and out expect some normal wear and tear. This vehicle is being sold AS-IS. where is. with no warranty expressed. written. or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. asked any and as much questions they might have about the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. $500 non-refundable deposit is due via PayPal within 24 hours after the end of the auction. and winning bidder must contact me within 72 hours to arrange payment and shipping details. The balance (certified bank/cashier’s check. wire transfer or cash. in person) is due within 7 days after the end of the auction!! No Exceptions!!! All financial transactions must be completed before vehicle delivery. Please have all of your finances ready to meet the terms of sale!I understand that life sometimes gets in the way of plans so if you need any special arrangements in regard to the payment. please let me know in a timely manner. I am easy to work with and will do my very best accommodate the winning bidder with any reasonable requests. If terms of sale are not met (deposit within 24 hours. and full payment within 7 days). nbsp;that bidder will be reported to e-bay. and the car will be re-listed!! -Shipping- This vehicle must be picked up within two weeks of auction end unless special arrangements are made in advance. I encourage both DOMESTIC and INTERNATIONAL bidders to bid on this car. and I will gladly accommodate the winning bidder with his/her shipping arrangements. I routinely ship to Rotterdam and Bremerhaven and will happily arrange shipping with a reliable and inexpensive transport company. I can also accommodate requests to have the car sipped to any port in the world!Shipping arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the winning bidder!Good luck and happy bidding!!!