Description
Anthracite Grey Metallic (172) with Black Leather Interior (241) and Black Soft Top (740)
Very rare, early, manual four-speed car in Left Hand Drive configuration.
7, 011 kms (4, 356 miles)
Just 143 Mercedes-Benz 280SL’s were built in 1967, the first year of production for the larger engine. This car was made in that very first year, making it a very early 280SL indeed.
Mercedes-Benz own sales literature for the R107 claimed that in 1970, 70% of 280SL Pagodas were ordered with automatic gearboxes.
Using that 70% figure as a guide, it can relatively accurately be stated that this car is one of around 7, 200 manual cars built by the factory.
This is quite simply on of the very best cars we have come across, to look at, to sit in and to drive.
Rebuilt by renowned marque specialists Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany in 2003, the amount lavished on this car was in the region of €80, 000 – a not insignificant sum by anyone’s standards, especially in the context of Pagoda values 15 years ago.
The person responsible for the restoration was a Swiss collector who used it sparingly, with the car living in dehumidified storage when not in use.
It was from this Swiss collector that the present owner acquired the car, at which point it was showing just 2, 300kms (1, 429 miles) on the odometer.
Now displaying 7, 011 kms (4, 356 miles) since the rebuuild by Kienle, this utterly exceptional 280SL has spent the last 3, 000 miles in the Scottish Highlands, being regularly exercised, enjoyed and driven to it’s potential.
Based in Edinburgh, the owner is a fastidious and meticulous enthusiast who searched for two years before settling on this car. The owner states that during his time with the car, it has not used a drop of any fluid, testament to the quality of the preparation of this vehicle. Most recently it has benefitted from all new brake discs, as well as a matching set of Bilstein tyres, a full service and grease of the suspension components. This car also has a new battery, with battery isolator fitted.
The addition of Fuch wheels enhances the sporting credentials of this ‘enthusiast’s choice’ Pagoda. This wheel, often affectionately known as ‘Mexican Hat’ or ‘Bundt’ wheels was an expensive optional extra for the 280SL from Autumn 1969.
As a 1967 car we believe this particular example would have left the factory with steel wheels and matching hub caps, however the decision as to whether to leave this car as it sits or fit the more traditional painted hubcap wheels is one for the new owner to consider.
This car is one of those rare finds that ticks boxes for the collector, the enthusiast and the passionate driver. Everything about this car feels exactly as it should, from the fit and finish of the panels, to the specification of the interior and the way the car drives and handles.
A manual Pagoda is a rare vehicle in it’s own right, but a manual Pagoda of this calibre, a car that is so elegantly executed; really must be seen in the flesh to be truly appreciated.
This car is not to be missed.
