Highlights

Italian registered
Fantastic colour combination
Purchased by the vendor almost 10 years ago
Being restored since 2014, completed in 2021
Full bare metal respray
Completely re-trimmed interior
Rare manual gearbox

The Appeal

Occasionally a car comes along which is so beautifully designed that it has a timeless appeal which never seems to get old. One such design is the Mercedes SL, known as the ‘Pagoda’ on account of its flamboyantly curved roof.

The car offered for sale here has benefitted from a professional respray, as well as a new leather interior and carpets as well as thorough cosmetic overhaul throughout. A mechanical overhaul complements paint and trim, with a refurbished injection system, suspension and brake overhaul and new radiator to name but a few of the jobs carried out.

This extensive list of work means that the next owner of this 280 SL will be able to jump in and drive with confidence, while also enjoying the fantastic paint and interior. It is a car to be seen in, but also one which would inspire confidence on journeys ranging from sunny afternoon drives, to grand European tours.

The History and Paperwork

Italian registered and free circulation in Europe
Previously registered in Florida, Massachusetts and Connecticut
Imported to Italy by the President of the Mille Miglia in 1989
Massachusetts registration document

The Interior

Retrimmed leather seats and door cards
New carpets in cabin and boot
Immaculate throughout

The interior of this Mercedes is a beautifully restored example of this well designed cabin. The newly re-covered leather seats are well padded and supportive, while the fine 'dark blue' leather continues onto the door cards and the dashboard. This leather is reportedly the Mercedes-Benz certified interior kit, which features the correct hole and cross perforation pattern. In front of the driver sits a brilliant white steering wheel in front of an attractive dashboard, which provides just the right amount of information, without being cluttered.

The carpets are new throughout, covering the floors, transmission tunnel — which features a new wooden tray — and the small luggage compartment behind the seats. Carpet continues in the boot, which is lined and features a leather covered full size spare wheel.

One of the sleekest features of this Mercedes is its fabric roof, which folds down and disappears into a hidden compartment, leaving beautifully clean lines when open-top motoring ins being enjoyed.

The Exterior

Resprayed in deep blue
New grille surround
Panel gaps adjusted

With its iconic shape and those unmissable tall headlamps, the early Mercedes SL is a beautifully designed machine. This particular benefits from having all its external trim removed, then a programme of resetting the panel gaps was undertaken, before a respray to really bring the car up to an excellent standard. It is finished in a very smart shade of dark blue.

Exterior trim pieces were replaced during this process, including the grille surround, windscreen seal, body seals and wipers, so that now the chrome badges, bumpers and other trim looks very presentable.

The car runs on steel wheels with colour-matched hubcaps, proudly displaying the Mercedes three-pointed star, and the tyres are said to be new.

As with most Mercedes SLs, the car came supplied with a hardtop, which has now been resprayed, but retains its original headlining and the soft top appears to be clean and tight.

The Mechanics

Fully restored injection system
Suspension and brakes overhauled
Recent engine service

There is a long list of mechanical servicing and renewal which accompanies the car. First, the engine has reportedly received a recent service, including new points and condenser, spark plugs, oil and filters. The injection system is said to have been refurbished with a new injection pump, fuel injectors, fuel pump and ‘cold start system’.

We are told by the vendor that a new radiator core had been fitted, along with new header tank and rubber hoses, there is a new clutch assembly and prop shaft joints. The suspension has also reportedly been overhauled, including new front and rear shock absorbers, new bushes throughout and a new steering damper and track rod ends. The seller tells us that the suspension works very well, with no rattles or other noises.

The brakes have reportedly received reconditioned discs, servo and callipers front and rear, as well as a new master cylinder and brake pads. And the electrical system benefits from a new battery and fuel sender and reconditioned instruments.

Summary

Clearly this 280 SL has undergone a thorough recommissioning, bot mechanically and cosmetically. It benefits from being recently painted in a very smart shade of blue and the retrimmed interior appears to be very well executed.

And the mechanical overhaul gives confidence that this is a car to be driven, as well as admired. It appears to be a car which will easily undertake any long journey and get you there in style.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

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Shipping and transfer

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