Lot 659: 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster

First registered in California, this left-hand drive 280SL enjoyed two owners in that State from 1968-2002 and one further owner in the USA before being exported to the UK in 2005. A four-speed, manual-transmission model with matching chassis and engine numbers, it comes with documented Mercedes-Benz service history from new with 14 stamps in the service booklet. The car has covered 80,000 miles from new, as documented by Mercedes-Benz specialists in California, and comes with invoices totaling $25,000, mostly from Silver Star Garage and Autoworks dating from 1989 to 2004. A full engine/ancillary rebuild was undertaken by a renowned Mercedes-Benz specialist in California in 1989. The mileage at that time was 72,188 (verified by the invoice) and the car has covered circa 8,000 miles since. The vendor advises us that this is a typically rust-free ex-California car, never welded or damaged and with all body panel spot welds and gutter points visible throughout. Since arriving in the UK it has benefited from an £8,500 bare metal repaint in smoke silver together with under-bonnet detailing carried out by Mercedes-Benz specialists Jersey Street Garage in Cheltenham. A new soft-top has recently been supplied and fitted by Roger Edwards Motors at a cost of £952, and the engine tuned by them. The running gear has been completely overhauled by Classic Autos Restoration (Staines) Ltd, including the entire braking system (discs, hoses, etc) while the trunions, steering bushes and shock absorbers have all been replaced and a set of four Michelin all-weather tyres fitted. Full detailing of the body has included new headlamps, rear lamps and bezels, boot mats, hoses, clips and rubbers throughout, while the original brightwork is said to be in very good condition. The carpets are reported to be ‘as new’ and the ‘M-B tex’ fabric interior in excellent original condition as is the ‘pagoda’ hardtop. Offered fresh from the aforementioned extensive renovation, this classic Mercedes-Benz sports car is offered with current MoT certificate and Swansea V5.