1970 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL PAGODA

KEY FACTS

• A fully restored example of an elegant classic, which was delivered new in Florida, though has since spent time in Texas, California, Jersey and now the UK.
• Under the bonnet sits the original, rebuilt 168bhp 2.8-litre ‘M130’ engine, coupled with the four-speed automatic transmission.
• It was imported to the UK and re-registered in February 2016, and was acquired by the vendor later that year.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• It was resprayed from blue to grey during the 2014 restoration process, while the cabin features blue leather upholstery and a Becker audio system.
• Original owner’s manual, service book, Becker audio manual, USA service directory, and warranty policy leaflets included, alongside various receipts and invoices from its time in the US; including evidence of an engine rebuild in the 1970s.
• The hard top is also present, giving all-weather motoring capability.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage, and the car was fully restored in 2014 by Le Riche on Jersey.
• Grey paintwork in excellent condition, though a few minor blemishes have been reported, including some light marks where the hard top roof meets a rear quarter, a small blemish to the chrome bar above the grille, a few marks to the rear chrome trim and a few stone chips around the front bumper, wheel arches and the convertible roof mechanism.
• One minor tear in the soft-top roof, where it meets the boot lid.
• Blue leather upholstery in good shape, with just some very light creasing.
• One small split reported to the driver’s A-pillar trim, along with slight fading to the door card top.
• The boot liner and spare wheel cover are worn, while the interior of the soft-top roof features some staining.
• All of the electrics work as they should.
• Its most recent scheduled maintenance was in September 2017, where technicians at Le Riche Automobile Restorers in Jersey carried out significant engine maintenance at a cost of over £13,000 as a follow-up to the cosmetic restoration.
• The most recent MOT test was on 7 November 2017 at 130,527 miles, which was a pass with four advisories to monitor a slight steering box oil leak, alongside slight play in the offside rear wheel bearing and both front axle pins or bushes.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is a recently restored example of an iconic roadster with fully refurbished mechanicals. It would make a fine example for show and display, but is ultimately ready and waiting to be thoroughly enjoyed on the open road.

Overview of maintenance history on file:

• Restoration job cards from Le Riche in 2014
• Invoice for seat covers and carpets - 07/06/2013
• Parts invoice - 18/06/2013
• Parts invoice - 08/12/2006
• Service invoice - 15/08/2002 at 124136 miles
• Workshop invoice - 26/07/2002 at 123843 miles
• Tyre invoice - 22/07/2002 at 123807 miles
• Parts invoice - 16/03/1998
• Parts invoice - 25/03/1997
• Parts invoice - 21/03/1997
• Smog check report - 06/08/1996
• Workshop invoice - 05/08/1996 at 123698 miles
• Smog check invoice - 01/09/1989
• Parts invoice - 09/04/1987
• Parts invoice - 08/12/1980
• Parts invoice - 05/12/1980
• Workshop invoice - 08/12/1980 at 119693 miles
• Workshop invoice - 04/12/1980 at 119661 miles
• Parts invoice - 24/11/1980
• Workshop invoice - 12/08/1980 at 118923 miles
• Workshop invoice - 26/07/1980 at 118840 miles
• Workshop invoice - ??/??/1980 (unrecorded mileage)
• Workshop invoice - 25/03/1980 at 118465 miles
• Workshop invoice - 20/11/1979 (unrecorded mileage)
• Parts invoice - 26/02/1979
• Workshop invoice - 20/07/?? at 114315 miles
• Workshop invoice - 27/10/1977 at 110620 miles
• Tyre invoice - 15/05/1971
• Service stamp - 19/07/1972 at 49500 miles
• Service stamp - 11/05/1972 at 39201 miles
• Service stamp - 22/02/1972 at 34623 miles
• Service stamp - 27/07/1971 at 19690 miles
• Service stamp - 11/05/1971 at 13050 miles
• Service stamp - 29/12/1970 at 3582 miles

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently covered by a finance agreement, but the remaining balance will be cleared before ownership is transferred to the buyer.