Lot details
- Rare 3-seater version with hard top
- Complete restoration with numerous improvements
- Air conditioning, alarm, central locking, GPS and heated seats!
- No reserve
This is one of the last 280SLs, built in 1971 for the American market, equipped with an automatic gearbox, heated rear window, chrome finishes on the hard top and a complete tool kit. Before crossing the Atlantic, this Pagoda resided in Texas and is believed to have had only 3 owners; a well looked after car with no history of accidents. When it arrived in Europe, it underwent a major restoration in which every worn part was replaced with new (over €26,000 worth of parts), not to mention the engine, injection pump and gearbox, which were refurbished by Crewe Engines. The bodywork was stripped down, sandblasted and protected against corrosion. The paint was applied in 6 coats in its original metallic silver-grey colour. To round off the package, the chrome and interior have been carefully refurbished, with new upholstery in parchment-coloured leather, new mats and a new soft top. The air conditioning system has been redesigned to use R134A gas, with new hoses fitted. During the restoration, a number of clever upgrades were installed, including an alarm/immobiliser system, providing ultrasonic perimeter and interior protection, central locking, a high-performance audio system with an old-style Becker Mexico 7948 car radio with GPS and Bluetooth connection, a high-performance fan to keep the engine at the right temperature, even in summer traffic jams, and heated seats for winter use!
This is a car that's over half a century old, but thanks to a few subtle improvements, it's safer, more reliable and has a few 'modern' practical features, making it an even more enjoyable car to drive on a daily basis.
