1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

When Mercedes-Benz launched its new 230 SL in 1963, it immediately took center stage. The new roadster was crisply styled by Paul Braque, with a detachable concave Pagoda hardtop, and powered by a 150 bhp, six-cylinder engine. In eight years, Mercedes-Benz built the 230, 250, and finally the 280 models, signifying successively larger engines. The 2,778 cc 280 SL was the most popular, with the majority sold in the US.

After 20 years of attentive ownership by its prior caretaker, this 280 SL recently benefited from a 13-month restoration by the consignor, a marque specialist, using correct NOS parts whenever possible. The Mercedes-Benz was bare-metal refinished in its original Dark Olive, with M-B Tex parchment interior and both green canvas soft top and original matching hardtop. Additionally, the undercarriage was rebuilt with a new factory exhaust, and Bilstein shocks, and the engine was refreshed.

The Pagoda is accompanied by its manuals in the correct folder as well as tools in a matching parchment-colored roll. It has recently been fitted with new Firestone Phoenix tires, and features correct chrome hubcaps. Having covered only 200 miles since restoration, this beautifully restored Mercedes-Benz has never been shown. Its new owner will certainly enjoy its debut when it appears on the show field for the first time.