Lot 239 - 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda Restoration

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in production until February 1971. An all new design by Paul Bracq to replace the 190 SL and 300 SL Roaster. The 280 SL had a powerful 2.8 litre version of Mercedes inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection. To save on weight the bonnet, boot lid and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminium. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. The comparatively short and wide chassis, combined with an excellent suspension, powerful disc brakes and radial tyres gave the W113 superb handling for its time. These roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s. Thanks to their robust inline-six and their luxurious Mercedes interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed. The styling of the front paid homage to the legendary 300 SL with its characteristic upright Bosch ‘fishbowl’ headlights and simple chrome grille, dominated by the large three-pointed star in the nose panel.

Originally delivered to the US, this left hand drive, automatic example has been registered since 2005 to a Mr Richard Johnson in Colorado. In 2008, it was acquired by a Mr. RIzwan Khan of Gillingham, Kent before being offered by Historics in 2012 with all import duties paid. Our vendor originally bought this from Historics to add to his Mercedes-Benz collection, the restoration work to this car then started in April 2021 when the bodywork was completely stiped to bare metal. New panels have skilfully been welded where required and then the stunning red paint finish has been applied. We are informed all this vehicle needs now is to have the mechanical components overhauled before refitting and the interior and exterior components reinstated. Supplied with an engine and transmission, vast amount of the chrome work, interior/exterior components, and full exhaust system. *Although the vendor has supplied a list of the components he does advise there are some parts missing to complete this car, and everything that comes with it in his opinion would need overhauling and re chroming etc.
Part finished to a very good standard an original left hand drive automatic 280 SL Pagoda that has over the past 18 months begun what is well on the way to being a full body restoration sitting on newly painted hubcap wheels. With engine running gear and chromework all supplied as per the photos, supplied with the car, and can be collected locally post auction. Supplied with Colorado certificate of title, Customs form C&E 386 and other documents this example would represent an ideal project to complete what has become a very popular classic roadster with prices having risen above £100,000 for fully restored 280 Pagodas over the last 12 months.

Red 280sl parts list:-

2 x door cards with soft pockets, and chrome strips for attaching door card,
2 x seats, seat backs and rear seat wood
Sterring wheel pad
Interior A & B pillar covers, sunvisor clips
Dash panels and chrome, glovebox, int mirror, wood dash, speaker cover, and center console
Chrome air vents, cigarette lighterholder, clock, speedo, temp gauge unit, rev counter
Carpets and kick boards
Door handles, stays
Engine Block
Gearbox
Chrome fresh air vent
Chrome grill and black behind chrome grill surrounds
Front bumper
Rear bumper
Headlights chrome surround
Rear lights bulb holders, chrome surround
Door window rails, and winder, bonnet catch
Front window rubber, chrome insert, and interior top strip and soft top close chrome strips
Engine and gearbox, gearstick lever, speedo cable
Radiator
Alternator
Starter motor
Fuel tank, Fuel pump and bracket
Engine mount and filter
Full exhaust, manifolds
Brake servo, mount and master cylinder
Wiper motor
2 x horns, air filter housing