1971 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Of all the 'Sport-Licht' range from the German factory's lengthy history, this period of production is probably considered the most elegant and thus, sought after. It represents some of the finest penmanship by its creator, Paul Bracq, who supplied many others for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and even France's super-fast TGV. Supplied in European form but lefthand drive format and complete with its original matching factory hardtop, it presents in largely original condition and thus can be seen to have been extremely well cared for as, at first glance, it looks comprehensively restored.

This striking 'matching-numbers' example was produced right at the end of Stuttgart's 280 production run and has spent most of its life in Nevada and, latterly, Alberta Canada. It was here, in fact, that a comprehensive 11-page appraisal took place in Calgary 2002 describing the car, over many pages, as in, on the whole, between 'very good' and 'excellent' condition throughout. The paint was 'very good', chrome 'very good', front &rear bumper areas 'excellent condition'. All lighting areas 'very good' condition, undercarriage 'very good' condition and even the hardtop, an area often overlooked, in 'very good' condition. Purchased by Lovegrove Classics Silchester Ltd in 2013 direct from the then owner, Robin Herman - a member of the Pagoda World Club in Canada. It underwent a full bare-metal respray in 2014 by Lovegrove Classics Silchester and represents in very original and reportedly perfect underneath, never welded and still in its original red body colour. The engine is now fitted with a 123 Heritage distributor although the original will also accompany the car.

The tyres are Michelin MXV 205/70Rs all round with colour-coded hubcaps and, moving inside, the original interior condition is described as 'very good' to 'excellent' throughout. The interior is completely original including carpets and in “unmarked condition” as, indeed, are the door-cards, wood-work and dashboard pad. The matching dash contains a period-correct Becker Europa wireless, an extremely expensive item to procure these days and the console condition overall is described as 'excellent' throughout with this example also benefiting from factory air-conditioning, albeit now removed, the unit will accompany the lot. There is included a comprehensive history folder detailing its time abroad as well as its import into the UK in 2002 and subsequent British MoT test certificates. Originally a US-specification car, this example has been 'de-Americanised' with the chrome overriders and side indicators deleted. An extremely fine example in excellent condition and beautifully presented and importantly, complete with hardtop &original owner's manual. Indeed, it is described by the vendor as “faultless to drive” and has covered less than 1,000 miles since imported in 2013 as part of a private collection. The owner, extremely experienced in this field, has gone to great lengths to emphasise how good this example is and it will benefit from a full service and MoT test at Silchester Garage before the sale. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille

Lot details
Year: 1971
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 280SL Pagoda
Registration: MRD 944J
Chassis No: 11304410019771
Engine No: 130983-10-007133
Mileage: 17,219


* Highest specification 2.8 litre engine

* Four-speed manual gearbox

* Complete with matching factory hardtop