Description
We are delighted to offer this exquisite, first class UK RHD Mercedes Benz 280SL Automatic Pagoda onto the market. ODE 95F is a car with excellent provenance having spent 28 years with the same family and has covered less than 56, 000 miles since 1978 when ten years old. From new in 1968 to 1978 the Mercedes Benz covered little over 30, 000 miles and spent the late 1970’s and 1980’s in Devon covering low annual mileage. In 1982 the car was purchased by the cars long term lady owners’ father, initially putting the car in his Company name. He purchased the number plate 4 LG for his daughter and in 1990 the car was transferred into her name. From 1982 to selling the car in 2010, the Pagoda covered 34000 miles with the one family, taking the total mileage then from new to 84374.
During the cars long term ownership, it was incredibly well maintained and was subject to a body restoration that included brand new Mercedes Benz wings and sills. The chrome work was also renewed at this point. The car was regularly serviced over the 28-year period with notes on file confirm maintenance was carried out with genuine Mercedes Benz parts. The Mercedes Benz left Devon in 2010 having spent over 30 years in the South West, and headed to London, and in 2016 with 88, 000 miles was purchased by one of our clients in North London. From 2016 to 2020, the car covered a further 2000 miles and was kept between the Primrose Hill area and Cornwall.
ODE 95F came to us in 2020 and due to very little use over the four years was put through a program of work totalling almost £20, 000. The Mercedes Benz was treated to a new mohair hood, renewed interior wood trims, new period seat belts, underbody and boot compartment preparation and detailing, and a mechanical program of work to include new front and rear shock absorbers, front subframe mounts, new propshaft joints, gearbox service and full engine service. Further expenditure included five new Blockley tyres, new fuel cap and lock, new heater controls, radio and Nardi steering wheel at over £2000 alone (original steering wheel with the car).
On delivery to its new owner, a decision was made to spend a further £30, 000 on the car that included a full, top class re-paint that included removal of all chrome work, lights and trims. The body was prepared and found to be in first class condition with exceptional straight panels. The findings from removing paintwork enable to us to confirm with confidence how sensational the bodyshell is on this car. The body, including hard top was beautifully painted, and the interior then subject of a full complete re-trim to include re-trimmed seats, door cards and panels, carpets and dash top. With over £50, 000 spent on a car found to have an exceptional body and superb strong 2. 8 engine holding excellent oil pressure, the car was taken to an unbelievable standard. The engine performs faultlessly, and the automatic gearbox having had a previous rebuild changes beautifully ensuring ODE 95F is first class to drive.
Having covered less than 500 miles with its recent owner of almost two years, the Mercedes Benz comes back to us in beautiful condition. ODE 95F is finished to a show standard with pristine paintwork, chrome and upholstery. The engine bay is beautifully detailed, both hard and soft tops are excellent and on the road this 280SL Automatic does not disappoint. The car cruises beautifully with impressive performance and perfect handling and road holding. This is a car for the discerning buyer, it comes with a high level of provenance and is without doubt the very best 280SL we have had the pleasure of offering onto the market.
