JUST 3 OWNERS, STOCK W/ 1 REPAINT, BOTH TOPS, RUNS FABULOUSLY! BEAUTIFUL 280SL!

Description

This lovely 1970 Mercedes 280SL has had just three owners from new, and given how popular these cars are right now with collectors, we're pretty sure it won't last very long. It's one of those clean, usable pedigreed cars with just one older repaint, and is one of the cleanest "pagoda" SLs we've ever featured.Quickly becoming a highly-sought collector's item, this SL is finished in beautiful code 291 Dark Olive as original. It's a subtle, sophisticated car that doesn't need bright red paint to attract a ton of attention. Even though they're small two-seaters, the Mercedes SL has always carried a ton of presence, and this one is no exception. Mercedes-Benz assembly quality is legendary, and in the 1960s, these cars were most likely the finest in the world. The doors still open and close effortlessly, and despite the open top, it's as solid as any closed model, especially with the hardtop installed. The 2002 repaint gives it a soft shine that looks entirely appropriate on the vintage roadster, and was done to a very high standard that still looks impressive today. All the trim is in excellent condition, including a new grille, lenses, and chrome surrounds which make the little car sparkle. The tan MB-Tex interior remains in excellent shape, and is a combination of original and restored components, all of which look excellent today. Yes, MB-Tex is virtually indestructible, but for a light color to look this good after nearly 50 years is extraordinary. You'll also note that this car carries optional Kuhlmeistere A/C and a rare Becker Mexico AM/FM/cassette stereo, which may have been borrowed from a later model or may be stock, it's hard to say for certain. Carpets, door panels, and the dash pad are quite nice, with a tailored look befitting a high-dollar Mercedes-Benz. Even the wood components, particularly the strip of timber along the base of the windshield and the lovely little package tray between the seats is beautifully refinished. It's strictly a 2-seater, and the useful package shelf behind the seats looks virtually unused, with the cargo compartments underneath in excellent condition. The trunk is bare, but there's a correct spare with cover and a set of tools to match. Overhead, you get a tan canvas convertible top for daily use, as well as a removable color-matched hardtop to seal things up when it starts to get chilly.Clearly descended from the LeMans-winning 300SL's inline-six, the 2.8 liter unit in this pagoda roadster is silky smooth and energetic enough to move the little car with aplomb. Fuel injection was still an uncommon feature in 1970, but those long intake runners help bolster torque production, and combined with a slick 4-speed automatic transmission, it's a blast to slice and dice through traffic. The engine bay is nicely detailed, and obviously this car has never seen inclement weather; even the original firewall pad is still intact. Underneath, it's solid and original, with years of clean living down south. There's a newer correct exhaust system with a new muffler that gives it a burly six-cylinder soundtrack, and blackwall radials on the original 14-inch wheels, which sharpen up the handling.This isn't a perfect car, but in terms of an investment you can drive, you can scarcely do better than a 280SL. At this price, it's unlikely to last very long, so if you're looking for a pagoda SL, you won't find many nicer than this. Call today!