"For those who value engineering finesse and high-quality construction, it's alone in the field," Road and Track magazine quoted about the 280 SL and whilst its manufacturer considered the car as a grand tourer in the traditional sense, it was a unique combination of sports car performance and luxury (Mercedes) saloon car comfort. 

This example has only had 2 owners and only travelled 61668 miles, a genuine RHD UK car it is presented for sale ready for its next GT adventures.

 

 

The car has been well cared for but the previous owner was unable to find the original paperwork at the time of the sale. This low mileage, low owner example has had a very comfortable and easy life being enthusiast owned and remains in wonderful condition. 

Sitting inside the 280 SL, nicknamed the ‘Pagoda’ due to its distinctive cabin shape, devised by French designer and classic car enthusiast Paul Bracq, you can understand why they were amongst the best loved sports tourers of the time. Everything appeared to be working inside the cabin of the 280 SL including the radio and the glovebox light which was a nice touch. 

It really is a lovely place to be and life seems a little more calming when you’re behind the wheel, how could you be anything other than relaxed and zen when you’re peddling a car as gorgeous as this. 

 

The 280 SL got a lot of attention for its looks and it’s not hard to see why, even for those not of diehard Mercedes fandom inclination. Mercedes exceeded in creating a car with sports car handling and luxury saloon car comfort with the 280 and these attributes extended to the styling. Looking sporty but luxurious, subtle but oh so effective, its one of Mercedes’ best designs to date and remains a highly collectable classic. As mentioned, Mercedes painted and fitted the car with two new front wings, the resulting quality of the work makes it difficult if not impossible to tell. The paintwork is in great condition too with little to no scuffs, swirls or chips from what we could see around the car. 

Purchased from new and owned for 42 years by its first owner, it only travelled on averaged 1,400 miles per year. During the photoshoot, the car started and idled well, it was hunting a little on the first start up but a blip of the throttle and a clear of its throat and it was back to business as usual for the reliable German. 

The gearbox was in good health too, engaging forward, reverse, park and neutral with no issues, we probably didn’t get out of first gear driving the car up the road but there were no issues presented and it was a smooth ride. The current owner didn’t want to spend a huge sum of money making the engine bay look pristine, they wanted to use the car and retain its character from its years, which we think makes for a more honest presentation and corroborates the mileage claim. 

 

A nicely kept example of a well sort after car, the 280 SL has low miles and low owners, that in itself is a tempting prospect and with a car like this still having so much to give its future owners, we’re sure whoever is lucky enough to end up with this beauty will have plenty of fun adding to that odometer. 

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.