Fantasy Junction

Description

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
s/n 113 044010 014230 Eng. No. 13098310005478
Light Ivory with Black Leather

Representing Mercedes-Benz’s trend towards producing more usable and practical sports cars, the 230/250/280SL line was meant to replace both the 190SL and the illustrious 300SL. The car was a comfortable two-seater that was to be neither too big nor too expensive, and exhibited excellent roadholding thanks to the innovative and sophisticated rear suspension design. Built to Mercedes’ usually high standards and employing excellent visibility, the cars were popular and sold well. The cars were continuously developed, with the 280SL being the ultimate version of the car, with its larger more powerful engine and all around disc brakes.

The later examples, especially American ones, suffered from the almost universal fitment of automatic transmissions. This particular example, however, is a rare 4-Speed manual, and is accompanied by an optional factory hard top. Unlike most 280SLs, this particular example is a very low mileage car, which is been the subject of an exhaustive restoration to incredible standards.

The restoration work included removal of the engine and a complete repaint of all aspects of the car, all exterior chrome, replacement of the aluminum threshold and windshield moldings, new hub caps, new trunk, windshield, door, and engine lid seals, new leather interior, new hair pads on the seats, new carpets, new canvas soft top, refinishing the interior wood, and restoration of the steering wheel. The hard top itself was restored; repainted, fitted with new seals, and new headliner material. A new windshield was fitted. While the engine was out the engine and engine bay was fully detailed to “as new” standards. Mechanical restoration work included replacement of the muffler, resonator, and exhaust tips, new shock, sub frame, motor, and transmission mounts, new fuel and water hoses, servicing of the radiator, engine, suspension, and brakes, and finally the fitment of new tires and brake pads.

Not only has this car been restored to an exceptionally high standard, the starting point for the restoration was a 72,000 mile, dry and straight, longtime dry climate car. All the factory spot welds are in place, and there is no evidence of previous rust or rust repairs. Just a few hundred miles of sorting have been logged since completion, and as one would expect from a freshly restored car done to exceedingly high standards, this Pagoda is in immaculate, showroom condition. The 280SL enthusiast looking for the best of the best will be hard pressed to find a better example, anywhere.

Included with the sale are the factory optional hard top, a jack, the spare tire, a complete original manual pack, a photo documentary of the restoration work, and records going back to 1991 at which time the car had just 59,449 miles.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608