Highlights
- Highly original and beautifully preserved Californian import with all-original body panels
- Accompanied by its original book pack, tool kit and VIN tag in the windscreen
- Vintage Frigiking air conditioning system
- Service records from new accompany the car
The Appeal
The supremely stylish W113 SL ‘Pagoda’ was the car to be seen in during the 1960s. Audrey Hepburn, John Lennon, Stirling Moss and Sophia Loren could all be found behind the wheel of SLs.
In typical Teutonic fashion, the W113 was beautifully put together and superbly engineered - there weren’t many ‘60s convertibles with mechanical multi-point fuel injection! The styling was the work of the great Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi under the guidance of Mercedes-Benz legend Friedrich Geiger. That’s quite the list of names; no wonder it looked so good.
We’re delighted to present this lovely 1970 280 SL which arrived in 2023 from sunny California. There’s a good reason so many Californian cars make their way to the UK and this Mercedes is a case in point; they’re beautifully preserved by the fair climate. This SL is exceedingly original throughout, even down to its original book pack, tool kit and VIN tag in the windscreen! The vendor also points out the factory notches and spot welds on the wings.
UK road registered and ready to enjoy, this 280 SL is a very tempting example.
The History and Paperwork
- US market example, supplied in LHD
- Imported to the UK from California
- UK road registered since April 2023
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- 68,320 miles indicated
- Original book pack present and in very good condition
- Service records from new accompany the car
The Condition
- We’re assured that the SL retains all its original panels; The vendor notes various factory notches and spot welds
- Straight, solid bodywork with light age-commensurate patina
- Small indentation and corresponding area of paint loss on the offside rear quarter panel
- Smart paintwork and chrome finishes
- Folding soft top present and in good condition
- Period-appropriate Michelin X white-band tyres fitted; showing some signs of age
- Well-preserved original upholstery
- New carpets fitted
Red really suits this SL and goes beautifully with the beige upholstery. It looks a very straight and solid example and the vendor assures us that there are no corrosion issues to report. The paint and chrome finishes look very good and while not perfect, the car is in very usable order.
The folding soft top does not seem to fit especially well at the rear, but no doubt this would be fairly straightforward to remedy, and it otherwise looks to be in very good shape. On the inside, the interior reportedly remains original and unrestored besides the replacement of the carpets. We’re not informed of any known issues with the cabin electrics.
The Mechanics
- 2.8-litre M130 inline-six with Bosch fuel injection
- Four-speed automatic gearbox
- All looks original and well-presented under the bonnet
- The vendor notes that the car drives very well
These SLs are all about refinement and a good one should waft along serenely. We’re informed that this one does just that, with a smooth, quiet engine and gearbox and no apparent issues to report. The vendor tells us that it drives really well and they’re not aware of any mechanical issues.
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