1968 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL PAGODA

KEY FACTS

• A very smart, usable example of the stylish classic roadster, presented in a period-perfect factory colour scheme and with only four keepers from new.
• Under the bonnet is the 168bhp ‘M130’ 2.8-litre straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission.
• First registered in May 1968, this left-hand drive US-market 280SL was originally built as a ‘California Coupe’, with a folding rear bench seat and no convertible hood; though a folding soft-top has since been fitted.
• The car’s first owner kept the car for 28 years, and it was imported into the UK from Santa Monica six years ago by the seller, who is its fourth keeper from new.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This 280SL is finished in the rare hue of Horizon Blue, which is complemented by a blue leather-trimmed interior with matching carpet.
• Equipment includes power steering, a top-tinted windscreen and a Becker Europa TR radio with an electric aerial.
• It rides on the correct set of 14-inch steel wheels with colour-matched hub caps, which are in very good order.
• As well as its retrofitted convertible hood, the car has been fitted with European-specification headlamps and tail lights.
• While the seller has removed the air conditioning system, this will also be supplied with the car.
• Furthermore, the seller has retrimmed the sun visors and inner windscreen surround to match the seats, as well as fitting a new wooden ‘bow’ trim on the top of the dashboard.
• The car will be accompanied by its original bill of sale, its service books and various receipts for its past maintenance, as well as its colour-matched ‘Pagoda’ hardtop.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• The paintwork has been resprayed and is in very good overall condition, though there is some very slight bubbling around the bottom of the wheel arches, and some small areas of flaked paint on the inner arch lips.
• Inside, the cabin has been retrimmed and presents superbly, with a few small age-related marks including pitting and scratches on the chromed trim and light scuffs on both door cards.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• While it is exempt due to its age, the car’s last MOT test was conducted on 11 August 2017 at 95,980 miles, resulting in a clean, first-time pass.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This 280SL’s most recent routine maintenance was a general service, which was carried out by classic Mercedes-Benz specialist Hilton Moss in 2020.
• During the seller’s six years of ownership they have spent around £4,000 on additional maintenance, including replacement of the gearbox gaskets and battery, as well as having the steering box rebuilt.

SUMMARY

Finished in a particularly appealing factory paint colour and with only four keepers from new, this 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a charming and eminently usable example of the popular open-top cruiser. Ready to drive and enjoy immediately, this stylish classic would make an ideal roadster for sunny weekend jaunts or longer-distance journeys.

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, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the vehicle is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.