1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' with Hardtop
Chassis no. 113044 10 002156
Engine no. 130983-10-000848

Produced for the American market, this Mercedes-Benz 280 SL remained in the USA until it was brought to Austria and then in 2016 to the Czech Republic where it was fully restored by the current owner, including conversion to European specification. The rebuild took approximately 30 months to complete and was finished in 2018. The odometer was zeroed at time of restoration (the previous recorded total was 58,520 miles).

The entire project was carried out with an 'open chequebook', with emphasis placed on absolute quality and originality. All specialised work has been done in Germany at recognised specialists (restoration and setting up of the injection pump, radiator and oil cooler, electric wiring, real axle, fuel pump, etc). The bodywork, assembly, engine and gearbox restoration, and interior trimming was done by the best Czech specialists from the famous Tatra Works in Kopřivnice.

The body and the floor frame were completely dismantled, laser cleaned or sandblasted, with an emphasis on using the minimum amount of filler, and renewed where necessary with original Mercedes parts. Once it had been completely rebuilt, the body was repainted inside and out in the original White Papyrus colour. The paint spraying was carried out according to Mercedes-Benz's original method and the finish is shiny and uniform, without varnishes and dust inclusions. The chrome is high-gloss and without damage.

The black fabric convertible hood cover has been replaced and looks like new; the operation of the folding hood is easy and the locking mechanisms work perfectly. In addition, there is also a hardtop available in matching colour. The hardtop likewise has been completely restored using original Mercedes parts.

The interior is possibly the highlight of this remarkable 280 SL. The original MB-Tex blue upholstery has been replaced with blue leather and completely reworked. The door panels were also reworked and trimmed with blue leather. The carpeting in the passenger compartment was redone according to the original design, with the colour changed to match the rest of the interior.

The car has a Becker Europa radio, which has been professionally restored with an added connection for an external audio device. The interior walnut woodwork was renovated by a professional furniture restorer, and the replacement steering wheel, embellished with the same wood and decorated leather centre.

According to the manufacturer's data card, the number '130983-10-000848' identifies the engine as original to this car. During the restoration work, the engine was dismantled and rebuilt with numerous new parts. Wear-prone components such as the timing chain, bearings, piston rings and pistons were renewed. The engine was tuned on a dynamometer and is clean, dry and showing excellent throttle response. The rear axle is equipped with a 9/27-ratio final drive. The entire braking system has been overhauled and any worn parts renewed.

The Mercedes has been kept as a part of a classic car collection by the owner, being very thoroughly maintained and regularly driven in order to keep the engine, gearbox and the rest of it in best shape (the odometer reads fewer than 3,000 kilometres). The car was checked and serviced on 7th September 2022 (all systems checked, all refills completed, test drive successfully performed).

The 280 SL is offered with an album with over 500 photographs documenting the restoration and a folder containing all bills relating to purchased parts and materials (more than 90% purchased directly from Mercedes- Benz in Germany or other specialists such as Niemöller, SLS, MB Classic, etc). The car also comes with a State of California Certificate of Title and a Czech registration document.