1969 Mercedes-Benz W113 280SL

A low ownership, W113 Pagoda 280 SL this car has been the recipient of a thorough overhaul mechanically and cosmetically to present in virtually as-new condition for its next owner. It had lived a charmed life prior to its most recent extensive, expensive care, having travelled just 47,335 miles since it was built back in 1969. Right-hand drive, it’s finished in Arabian grey over black which never looks anything less than fantastic and timeless on the Pagoda. Looking and driving, exactly as it should, this is a fantastic opportunity to buy a late example 280 SL just as it would have been when it first arrived in the country all those years ago.

Starting with an already good basis, the most recent owners of this car have lavished plenty of care and attention on this W113 280 SL to ensure it’s immaculate. It’s been re-trimmed, its chrome has been re-finished and the bodywork is flawless, too. It doesn’t just look sensational, either, because mechanically it’s also in perfect order, which makes this a turn-key example ready to be enjoyed and driven by its next custodian. We’d suggest doing so in dry weather, not least to save the exemplary under bonnet condition of this car, though if all-year regular use is in order with this 280 SL then it comes with its hard-top and stand in addition to the folding fabric roof. There’s a Becker stereo in the black trimmed interior, which benefits from modern Bluetooth connectivity, while there’s also a wind deflector for those longer, faster top-down drives. As close as you’ll find to a showroom condition 280 SL today, this is a very special car.

A weighty box file accompanies this car. It outlines the most recent history, with countless plastic sheafed, mostly hand-written documents attesting to the money spent on regular maintenance, as well as plenty of more recent receipts covering the restorative works that have resulted in creating such a fine example. There are a good number of previous MOTs demonstrating that the odometer is correct, with the most recent work on this car undertaken by our expert technicians here at the SLSHOP, their work elevating the car to the condition it’s offered in today.

A late model W113 is a fine thing in any guise, but in the Arabian grey over black with the sort of meticulous care and recent restorative work this car’s been party to here makes this an exceptional car. It would be a fine addition to any collection, though we’re big advocates of using cars, particularly as any SL is a car of such broad capabilities. With this one in as-new condition it perhaps ought to be used as such, though, similarly, that’s your decision to make should you buy it. As you really should.