1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL PAGODA

A gorgeous example of a timeless design, this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ is in outstanding condition following a ground-up restoration completed in 2017, at a cost of around £60,000. Finished in navy blue with a red interior, this is an exceptional classic cruiser.

Powered the 168bhp M130 2.8-litre straight-six engine, which is favoured by drivers and collectors alike, this left-hand drive example features the four-speed automatic transmission. A capable and usable classic, especially with the ‘Pagoda’ hard top roof in place, this SL is ready for many more miles thanks to its comprehensive recent refurbishment.

Delivered in April 1969 to Horst Ruschke Mercedes in Michigan, US, this Pagoda spent the first 40 years of its life in single family ownership, and was clearly a cherished car between a father and his son. In 2009, it was traded in by the owner to a collector car dealer in Connecticut, and was subsequently sold to another dealer in New York. In 2011, it was brought over to the UK after being acquired by New Forest Classic Cars. The current owner purchased the 280 SL in 2013, and subsequently commissioned the detailed restoration.

The gorgeous navy blue bodywork is in great condition, showing a deep and even finish, and is accented by bright chrome work. The car has been driven as intended within the last two years, and so there are a few minor chips and blemishes that are clearly shown in the photo gallery below. However, these do little to detract from what is an extremely well-presented classic Mercedes-Benz.

Moving inside, the red interior pairs well with the deep blue exterior, and it is in superb order. The leather trim features the correct ‘basket weave’ panels on the seats, with a smoother finish on the bolsters, door cards, and wrapping the dashboard. There is also navy carpeting throughout the cabin.

The elegant dashboard fascia is in great shape and is complete with a period-style radio. All of the VDO instrument gauges work as they should. The car is also sold with an original hardtop and stand, which is colour matched in navy blue with a perforated cream headliner and red trim around the base - a highly desirable accessory for these cars.

Included with the 280 SL is a detailed photographic record of the car’s restoration, which was carried out by classic Mercedes-Benz specialist Heaney Motor Company between 2014 and 2017. As the images show, this was an extensive programme of work that included refurbishment of the chassis and body, a bare-metal respray, restoration of the interior and hardtop, and a full engine and gearbox rebuild. A new fuel tank was installed, along with a replacement petrol pump and injectors. The radiator was also renewed, and a fresh set of brake lines fitted.

Since the work by Heaney Motor Company, Hampshire-based restoration business Jim Stokes Workshops has carried out further work, including an overhaul of the suspension in September 2019. This consisted of new upper control arms, trailing arms, and kingpins, as well as bushes for the rear springs, and new tie rod ends. Over the last six years, more than £60,000 has been spent on this Mercedes-Benz.

The most recent MOT test was on 25 July 2019 at 89,797 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass, with only one advisory about a minor fluid leak that has been attended to. The wheels are shod in nearly-new period-correct tyres with around 7mm of tread.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual, service book, and engine production card. There is also a vast history file, as shown in the photo gallery, with paperwork covering not just the exhaustive recent work, but also much of its single family ownership in the US.

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL represents a great opportunity to buy a beautifully restored example of this stylish classic, with the substantial commitment of time and money already invested. A classy cruiser in a superb colour scheme, this Pagoda needs nothing to enjoy immediately, and will be a credit to any collection.