Lot 121: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda

In March 1963 the new generation of SL sports cars was launched with the debut of the 230 SL at the Geneva Show. This revolutionary new model replaced the now ageing 190 and 300SL models. Mercedes engineering, together with elegance and practicality, made the 'pagoda top' SL one of the most distinctive designs of its era. In closed form it offered handsome proportions and coup-like comfort, whilst the easy removal of the pagoda hard top turned it into an open top sports car for the summer months.During the 1960's Mercedes-Benz refined the model, later fitting the 250 engine and finally arriving at the 280 SL. As today, Mercedes-Benz motor cars were never cheap, but superb build quality and sophisticated styling made the 280 SL an extremely popular sports car with the rich and famous.The 280 SL on offer here has been subject to an extensive restoration, spanning a period of some 18 months. Not only has it benefited from a bare metal respray in fetching dark blue, the interior has been retrimmed in contrasting light grey leather and all the brightwork has been renovated to a very high standard.Mechanically it is described by the vendor as excellent in every respect, matching the quality of the outward appearance. This delightful sports car is a fantastic opportunity to spend the coming summer months in a stylish and comfortable machine with the added bonus of the famous Mercedes-Benz reliability. Further peace of mind will be given with a new MOT, only expiring in March 2006.