1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL PAGODA

KEY FACTS

• A wonderfully well-preserved example of the classic roadster, presented in a handsome green-on-green colour scheme and supplied with a colour-matched ‘Pagoda’ hardtop roof.
• Under the hood sits a 2.8-litre straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
• The odometer currently displays 98,320 miles; however this is a replacement odometer that already had indicated 98,000 miles so the true mileage is unknown.
• This SL is offered with a clean Virginia title.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This 280SL has been repainted in the classic Mercedes-Benz hue of Dark Green, with a replacement black convertible top, a partially retrimmed green MB Tex interior and smart wood trim.
• Equipment includes a side-facing rear ‘Kinder Seat’, power steering, a Blaunpunkt radio, and a VDO analogue clock.
• It rides on the correct set of 14-inch steel wheels, which are fitted with polished hub caps with body-coloured centres.
• As well as its new convertible roof, the car has also been fitted with replacement carpets and its interior lights have been updated with LED bulbs.
• The car will be accompanied by various records for its past maintenance, its ‘Pagoda’ hardtop roof, a tool kit and a copy of its original Mercedes-Benz data card, together with an electric hardtop hoist

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• The Dark Green paintwork was reportedly resprayed in 2014 and is in very good overall condition, though stone chips, touch-ups, and other minor scuffs are visible on some body panels.
• The seller reported the rear taillight panel was replaced in 2021 due to rust, and the green Pagoda hardtop is said to feature a replacement headliner.
• The exterior trim is in good order, though the paintwork on the hubcaps is slightly chipped and scratched and would benefit from being refinished.
• Inside, the green MB Tex-clad cabin presents well, with much of the interior having been retrimmed in 2019, apart from the front seats. Accordingly, there is some visible wear on both front seats and two small rips on the driver’s outer bolster, though the wood trim accents on the dashboard top and center console are in good shape.
• The seller notes that the factory air-conditioning components were removed, though the compressor, pulleys and brackets remains intact.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults

SERVICE HISTORY

• This 280SL’s most recent routine maintenance included servicing of the fuel-injection system as well as replacement of the valves, water pump, spark plugs, and drive belts.
• During the seller’s five years of ownership, they have spent around £14,200 on additional maintenance, restoration and replacement tires.

SUMMARY

This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a lightly restored example of a stylish classic and is presented in largely original condition. Ready to drive immediately and finished in a particularly appealing hue, this ‘Pagoda’ would make a wonderful weekend cruiser, and could easily be brought to a very high standard with some minor cosmetic refurbishment.

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