Matching numbers example with factory data card to confirm
Right-hand drive model with desirable four-speed manual transmission
Rare factory-ordered third "kinder" seat
Comprehensive recommissioning by renowned Pagoda specialists Colin Ferns Ltd
Accompanied by a £57,143 invoice
The Appeal
The W113 "Pagoda" is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and desirable classic sports cars ever produced, combining understated yet irrefutably beautiful Paul Bracq styling with the refined engineering and impressive performance synonymous with Mercedes-Benz.
This 1969 example ticks all the right boxes.
It's a matching numbers, matching colours 280 SL, originally ordered with the desirable four-speed manual gearbox, rare third "kinder" seat and exceedingly rare factory luggage option. The latter no longer accompanies the car, but we're looking at one of the most desirable specification SLs that's come to market during recent years.
As the photographs show, the SL presents very well throughout, resplendent in a very rare colourway, the contrast is extremely elegant, the deep red shimmers in sunlight, darkens to a near black in the evening light and shows off the lines of the car beautifully.
The vendor tells us:
"This beauty was recovered after 20 years languishing in an underground car park.
Colin Ferns Ltd, well known Pagoda pagoda experts, were asked to recover and recommission her and were very surprised to discover that as far as could be established, this car's bodywork was fully restored immediately before it was parked up and left. There is absolutely zero rust in this car!"
Recent work included a full engine, fuel system, suspension and brake system rebuild, and a full interior re-trim in the correct cognac leather. The vendor summarises:
"As you can imagine, having covered only road test miles on the new engine this car now drives impeccably and is ready for a new owner to enjoy."
Finished in original Mercedes Dark Maroon (460G) paint
Extremely rare factory luggage option originally specified, (now lost) - although faithful reproductions are available
Bodywork reported to have been fully restored before the car was placed in storage
The vendor states there is "zero rust" to the bodywork
Some small imperfections to the body, paint and chrome are visible in the photographs
Full list of recommissioning works included in the Colin Ferns invoice displayed in the gallery below
Front and rear bumpers have been re-chromed
Original swage lines are present at the headlamps
Matching "Pagoda" hard top in good order inside and out
The folding soft top presents well and reportedly operates correctly
Interior re-trimmed in new cognac leather to correct factory specification
Seats stripped and rebuilt with new springs
New light brown soft top supplied by KHM in Germany to original factory specification
Dashboard wood refurbished in walnut by Silvercrest
Period-correct headrests added to the seats
Inertia reel seat belts installed using the correct welded-in anchor points
Period-correct refurbished Becker Europa radio fitted
You can tell when a car has good bones and this is certainly one of them. By that we mean this SL was evidently a great example before its two-decade lay-up in an underground parking garage. The vendor assures us that the previously restored bodywork is devoid of corrosion, and we note that it presents well in the photographs. The Dark Maroon paint looks great too, as does the chrome; both of which sport just a gentle patina as you'd expect to see from an older restoration. Both roofs are present and in good order; it's great to have the matching hard top, which are so often lost or damaged as the years go by.
Engine fully stripped, rebuilt and detailed during recommissioning
New electronic ignition system installed
New fuel tank, pump and hoses fitted
New brake callipers and hoses installed
The vendor states the car drives impeccably following comprehensive recommissioning
Has covered only road test miles since engine rebuild
All work detailed in the significant invoice, viewable in the gallery below
Lift the bonnet of this SL and you'll appreciate that a great deal of work has been done here. That legendarily strong and smooth-running straight-six practically gleams, and you can see the myriad components that have been restored or replaced during the recent recommissioning. Having covered minimal road test miles since completion, it's time for a new owner to finish bedding in the fresh engine and enjoy this wonderful car now that summer is finally here.Mercedes 280SL-4.jpg1.64 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
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