Description
This magnificent Australian Delivered, 1969 Mercedes factory convertible 280SL on 29th of January 1970 was provided to H. W. H Treleaven & Co in Adelaide, South Australia. In September 1971 it was purchased by Mr John McDonald Smith of Kew Melbourne, Austalia. Mr McDonald Smith drove the car sparingly for nearly forty years, always maintaining scheduled services, rectifying any minor faults, and even keeping records of the tyres he purchased for his beloved SL.
In 2009, as an avid Mercedes collector , I found the car, had a mechanical and bodywork inspection by Melbourne specialists. After receiving favourable reports, I then purchased the car. I drove my 280SL for a few years and then he decided to embark on a “concourse” restoration of this pagoda. I engaged Theo from AustStar Motors, Brisbane, himself a “pagoda” trained mechanic in the 70’s, to oversee this project.
Theo stripped the engine and gearbox and had them not only rebuilt, but also had the engine components replated/ dipped/ restored to NEW condition. Using only Mercedes Benz parts, and even obtaining the original decals for the car, the engine was reborn.
Theo also stripped the car to a bare shell, sent the body to MBQ Bodyworks, the Mercedes Benz Approved Body repair shop in Brisbane, to identify any rust, faults, repairs and then reinstate the car to its original paint colour and rust free condition. Theo also sent the interior to H & H trimming, a specialist who has done work for Wolf Grodd of Sleeping Beauties. The brief was similar to the bodywork. I replaced the bars, MB star and chrome with original MB parts. I even had the original Becker radio restored and added Bluetooth & digital radio.
The results speak for themselves. This 1969 magnificent factory convertible Mercedes 280SL, is now better then new due to minor modifications and improvements. Any test or inspection is welcome. The car is now offered for immediate sale for $375, 000 AUD, plates not included, due to 2 new projects arriving and no more garages available. Export can be arranged at the buyers expense.
It is exceptional value at $375, 000 considering the cost to do a project to concourse today is $200, 000+++ 2-3 years . However you could not "buy" the provenance of this Australian delivered PAG. A roadworthy certificate will be supplied.
