Description
This beautifully presented Mercedes Benz 280SL Automatic has come to us having had £50, 000 of recent expenditure with a South East based Mercedes Benz specialists. Previous to this expenditure the Pagoda was essentially an older restoration that has covered in the region of 15, 000 miles since the mid 1990’s. Invoices throughout the mid 1990’s are on file from Schmitt Automobile Services that included stripping and rebuilding the braking system and suspension. Roger Edwards began maintaining the car in the late 1990’s and in 1999 its then owner, a London based Media Company Director shipped the Pagoda to Spain. Whilst in Spain for several years, it was looked after by highly renowned Mercedes Benz specialists Cochera in Madrid. In March 2002 they carried out a full engine rebuild amongst general upkeep, servicing and maintenance.
The Pagoda came back to the UK and a host of invoices and old MOT's show light regular use and maintenance over the 2000's, the Pagoda was briefly owned by the lead singer and guitarist of Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand and it next owner improved the car with a light program of work with the SL Shop and some replacement chrome work from SLS in Germany. In early 2023 the Mercedes Benz was purchased by the most recent owner, a long term client of ours based in Primrose Hill, London. It was at this point, the Pagoda was trusted to Mercedes Benz specialists Lux Classics Ltd in Essex for a major program of refurbishment work the cost in the region of £50, 000.
In February/ March 2023 the Pagoda bodyshell was stripped down for a full re-paint, the hard top was also stripped down ahead of re-furb. As often the case when stripping these cars right back, the Mercedes Benz shell required a level of fabrication work and this has been well documented with supporting invoices. On completion of the fabrication work the body was sealed and epoxy primed, panels were then pre-fitted for gapping, chrome work also pre-fitted to ensure a high quality final fit. The shell was then completely re-painted and the floor pans and inner arches stone guarded. The car was then built up with many new seals, trims and gaskets, the hard top re-painted and fitted with a new headlining, the engine bay then beautifully detailed. The interior was further enhanced, a Bluetooth upgraded radio installed and the car completed in late 2023. The gearbox was removed from the car and completely rebuilt but only a few miles have been completed since as the recent owner now plans to emigrate.
TKX 707J is a stunning looking car with an exceptional Anthracite paint finish. The bodywork is beautiful and straight, bumpers, light surrounds and handles all excellent and the car retains its excellent hard top and soft top. The interior is beautifully finished with stunning Black leather, excellent carpets and stunning renewed wood trims. The dashboard, gauges and switchgear are all excellent, the engine bay highly polished and the underside structurally excellent and very well presented. The Pagoda is lovely to drive, the engine offers superb performance and with the confidence of a rebuilt gearbox and first class handling and braking, this is a Pagoda 280SL ideal for regular use and touring and offers excellent value having had its recent program of work.
