"In 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all new roadster to replace the 190 SL and 300 SL - the 230 SL. The 230 SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language, featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. To save on weight, the bonnet, door skins, boot lid, and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminium. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. In 1967, Mercedes introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280 SL, and it then became apparent that some cars don't change, they just get better. The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis with a rear swing axle and independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power came from a 2.8 litre version of Mercedes inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection. These roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s and, thanks to their robust inline-six and their luxurious Mercedes interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed.
This left hand drive example was delivered direct from the factory in Stuttgart to Namibia in 1970 and has had just two owners from new. The first owner enjoyed this Mercedes for some 30 years before the current vendor acquired the vehicle in 2000 and shipped it to the UK. Used occasionally in recent times, this Mercedes presents in good order and having been originally delivered to Namibia the body and chassis are in excellent condition. The vendor reports that Mercedes specialists inspected the 280 SL and report the chassis and body are very good having spent all its life in either the dry desert climate or in de-humidified storage here in the UK. Showing a mere 13,672 on the odometer, this Mercedes 280SL presents in green with Chestnut interior and comes with a history file including confirmation of UK Taxes paid and sundry invoices.
With the summer months ahead, this would surely be number one on the bucket list post lockdown! Interested parties should note that this vehicle is currently Namibian registered, however the UK taxes have been paid ready for UK registration.
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