Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
A collector grade right hand drive example, with just three owners from new and subject to a marque specialist engine restoration in 2022
Estimate
£110, 000 - £130, 000
Registration No: VHY 100H
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
A highly original machine that is said to retain the majority of its factory-fitted panel work
Originally supplied as a UK market, right-hand drive example by Charles Cruickshank Motors of Bristol in 1970
In single family, faither-and-son ownership until 2011 when acquired by the vendor
The subject of a sympathetic preservation-centric restoration, plus an engine restoration by marque specialists John Haynes in 2022
Offered with a three-inch thick history file detailing expenditure from new
Simply one of the finest Pagodas that we have had the pleasure of offering for sale
Mercedes have been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954 when the landmark 300SL was unveiled. The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars. Their successor was the W113 series. The last of the line, the 280 SL, was launched in 1968. Blessed with the same effortlessly elegant Paul Bracq styling as its earlier siblings, it was powered by a new seven-bearing crankshaft 2, 781cc straight-six engine that developed 170bhp and 180lb ft of torque. The SL was equipped with all-round independent suspension - double wishbones and coil springs at the front and coil sprung swing axles at the rear. Braking was by power assisted on all corners and steering was by recirculating ball. The car's 'square' track gave notably sure-footed handling. Able to blur the divide between city streets and open roads with ease, the majority of 280 SLs were specified with four-speed automatic gearboxes and power-assisted steering. Some 23, 885 were made by the time production ceased in 1971, virtually half of which were exported to the USA. The popular W113 'Pagoda' series of cars were replaced by the substantially heavier R107 range.
More information to follow.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
