Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' Convertible with Hardtop, 1968
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class II (W113)
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class II (W113)•
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Chassis No.: 11304422000845
Engine No.: 13098322000559
£166,750 GBP | Sold
- Sold new in Guernsey, Channel Islands
- Three private owners and believed c.13,250 miles from new
- Present ownership since 2000
- Automatic transmission
These attributes help explain the 280 SL's phenomenal success, particularly in the all-important North American market where the optional automatic transmission was considered essential by the majority of customers. The fact that it looked like 'sex on wheels' helped enormously too, of course. The 280 SL's user friendliness broadened its appeal beyond the traditional sports car-enthusiast market, with many celebrities and film stars counted among their owners.
The last of a popular and extremely successful line begun with the 230 SL of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in 1967 powered by a new 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine that produced 180bhp, 20 horsepower more than the preceding 250 SL's. The 280 SL's 120mph top speed was no greater but it was significantly quicker off the mark, its 0-60mph time of 10 seconds being a whole second better than its predecessor's.
Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape - devised by French designer and classic car enthusiast, Paul Bracq - these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.
This fine example was first registered on the small Channel Island of Guernsey on 5 March 1968 and comes with photocopies of its original and duplicate logbooks. When new, the car is stated as being blue and white (perhaps a white hardtop) and is now resplendent in silver. It formed part of the Scott Collection in 2000 having previously been registered to Jacksons, the Mercedes main agents for the Channel Islands that Mr Scott owned. It is possible that Mr Scott commissioned Jacksons to repaint the car.
The odometer reading at the time of cataloguing is 13,215 miles. Being a Channel Island car since new, this could well be the actual mileage although there is no firm evidence to substantiate this. The old-style logbooks confirm the car ceased to be road taxed in 1989 so was therefore off the road between 1989 to 2000, and hardly used since then. The duplicate logbook issued in 2000 does correct the chassis no. anomaly (it is '845 on the chassis plate and '843 on the original logbook) and adds silver as the body colour.
In 2005, noted and respected trimmer O'Keeffe Coachtrimming Ltd were instructed to retrim the interior in leather including dash, seats and doors, as well as replacing carpets and seat belts. Further works included supplying and fitting a new soft top and headlining, headrests and attending to wood and chromework. All in all, some £11,000 was spent as evidenced by the invoice on file.
Kept on static display as part of the Scott private collection of fine Mercedes-Benz motor cars, the 280 SL has recently been recommissioned by Jim Stokes Workshops and comes with their detailed report and invoice for £7,319. Works undertaken included changing fluids and filters, and fitting new spark plugs, battery, brake flexi-hoses, and tyres. JSW's report states: "The vehicle drove very well, the gearbox, suspension and brakes are all operating as expected". JSW were pleased that the car was brought into operational condition with little difficulty, while listing further works that may be required to meet full and frequent road use. JSW would be pleased to advise the successful purchaser on such matters.
One of the finest examples of the ultimate specification Pagoda we have handled. Please note – as a Channel Island car – it will be subject to import tax at 5% should the SL remain in the UK.
Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.
Cost
829,843 AED
