DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1970 | COLOUR: ANTHRACITE GRAY METALLIC (DB172)| INTERIOR TRIM: BLACK LEATHER | PRICE: £169,750
LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS STUNNING 1970 MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, POWER STEERING, SOFT TOP AND MATCHING HARD TOP – A FINE EXAMPLE OF THIS ICONIC GERMAN ROADSTER
HIGHLIGHTS
• Recent Lux Classics repaint & colour change
• Previous celebrity owner
• Right-hand drive
• Automatic transmission and power steering
• Good history file
• Black mohair soft top and matching Anthracite metallic hard top
• Engine rebuilt in 2002
• Recent mechanical works and cosmetic upgrades carried out by Lux Classics
With a Stuttgart manufacture date of 19th August 1970 and UK delivery in its original Beige Grey metallic paint, this Pagoda went on to spend a good period of its life in Spain. We understand there have been 10 previous owners in total, the most notable of which in 2012 was Mr. Alexander Paul K Huntley – the Glaswegian lead singer and guitarist for rock band, Franz Ferdinand.
Its good history file dates back to 1994 when the mileage was recorded as 19,439. It now shows only 34,467 (please note that this is the indicated mileage and can not be guaranteed). Past major works done with invoices available to the value of £42,000 include renewal of the gearbox in 1996 and engine rebuild in 2002 carried out by Cochera in Spain.
Having previously been sold by Lux Classics, this is a Pagoda well known to us. It’s recently been repainted in Anthracite DB172 metallic, and a number of cosmetic upgrades have been carried out by us.
HISTORY & PAPERWORK
• Good history file dating back to 1994
• Historic invoices to the value of £42,000
• Record of previous works carried out by specialists including Roger Edwards Motors, Cochera, and Schmitt Automobile Services
• Historic MOTs
• Original handbook
• Full record of recent mechanical, repaint and cosmetic works carried out by Lux Classics
INTERIOR
With its natural period aura, the interior is stunning throughout. The seats, door cards, carpeting, colour-coded painted dashboard and wood trim all present in superb condition, as does the factory switchgear and instrumentation. As a finishing contemporary touch, the period Becker Mexico Stereo operating with its factory electric aerial has been upgraded with Bluetooth connectivity.
EXTERIOR
In preparation for its recent repaint, the stripped body was prepared by us. As well as replacing some floor panels entirely, additional metal fabrication was required to repair areas on the inner wings and around the bonnet hinges. Complimenting the new Anthracite metallic paint, all the chrome brightwork and trim is all in great condition. The black mohair soft top stows away neatly and looks superb in use, as does the matching hard top with its newly fitted headlining. The splendid visual appearance is all finished off with a new windscreen and period-correct Blockley tyres.
MECHANICS
The quality of finish and attention to detail found in the interior of this Pagoda is mirrored in the engine bay – it’s just superb. As a car we know well, all recent mechanical works required have been carried out by us. Rebuilt in 2002, the 2,778cc 170hp M130 straight-six runs and performs as sweetly as you would expect, and with its automatic transmission and power steering this 280SL is nothing short of a delight to drive.
MODEL HISTORY
The 230SL (W113) was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 as a replacement for its predecessors, the 190SL and 300SL. The 230SL was updated in November 1966 to the 250SL and in November 1967 to the last production series as a 280SL.
With its inwardly facing roof curvature and many analogies with Far Eastern Temples, these models soon became better known as the ‘Pagoda’. They were however relatively easy to get in and out of due the tall nature of the roof. The W113’s clean, elegant straight lines typify the work of its lead designer - the legendary Paul Bracq. It had virtually nothing in common with its predecessors, with only the chassis based on that of the 220SE (W111) saloon modified to offer a sportier feel. It was available as a convertible with a hard top and soft folding roof.
The bonnet was styled with a slight bulge to accommodate the straight six cylinder engine, again developed from that in the saloon. Developing 148 hp for the 230SL and 168 hp for the 280SL with mechanical multi-port fuel injection it produced a very smooth power delivery. It was offered with standard four-speed manual, or an optional extra four-speed automatic transmission too, and later with the ZF five-speed manual transmission.
With recirculating ball steering, a dual-circuit brake system, gas-filled shock absorbers and radial ply tyres, it offered a sporty feeling with exceptional handling due to its taut chassis, but also a very compliant ride too. The Pagoda was the first ever sports car to come with a ‘safety body’. It had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure.
The Pagoda proved to be a sound foundation for all subsequent SLs: An exceptional blend of good performance with the highest levels of comfort, with some 48,912 built between 1963 and 1971.
ARRANGE A VIEWING
This vehicle is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
Lux Classics make every effort to ensure that the information contained on the website ("the Information") is accurate and complete. However, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of the Information. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any reliance which you place on the information. Lux Classics does not give any warranties in respect of the website or the Information or the goods and services available via the website and makes no representations as the fitness for a particular purpose of any goods or services available via the website.
