"We could write a weighty tome on the Mercedes C-111's test-bed chops. This has to be one of THE most influential cars of the late 20th century. The achievements of the last two iterations (pictured here), are gobsmacking. Originally "
![](https://cdn-influx-wp.adrianflux.co.uk/uploads/2013/03/Mercedes-280SL.5-810x540.jpg)
Mercedes 280SL
![Mercedes-280SL-1](https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influx/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mercedes-280SL-1.jpg)
When we think of cars made by Mercedes Benz, we think of big, hulking, masculine brutes like our favorite hulk the G-Wagen. There’s something obviously Germanic and heftily big boned about them, something that has, to be frank, rarely mustered our passion.
![Mercedes-280SL.5](https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influx/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mercedes-280SL.5.jpg)
This Mercedes 280SL, however, scotches the belief in Benz’s unreconstructed blokishness.
The car is available at a tantalisingly low estimate of between $40-70K as part of a private collection n Canada.
The 280SL- which replaced the legendary 300SL in 1963 representing a more accessible luxury GT for the burgeoning Domestic and US market.
It came in a perky package with a nicely stiff chassis and a straight six engine that did the job properly. It was the boxy but graceful design of the body that has proved such a perennial. It evokes, somehow, a more feminine aspect of those stoic, solid brand values.
![Mercedes-280SL.6](https://www.adrianflux.co.uk/influx/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mercedes-280SL.6.jpg)
It might not really be a pure blooded silver arrow with racing heritage, but it summed up a cheeky sort of sixties aesthetic that has lasted the test of time.
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