"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 new 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 while stationed in Namibia for work reasons. More recently the vendor has shipped the 280SL Pagoda back to the UK. Used occasionally in recent times, this Mercedes presents in good order and the body and chassis are in very good condition. The vendor reports that Mercedes-Benz specialists, Roger Edwards Motors Ltd inspected the 280 SL and reported that the chassis and body are in very good condition having spent all its life in either the dry desert climate or in de-humidified storage here in the UK. Having covered a mere 13,672 from new this Mercedes 280SL presented in green with Chestnut interior looks superb and is fitted with an upgraded Mercedes gearbox from a later model. This upgrade makes for a much smoother gear change and in our opinion significantly improves the driving experience. Offered with a history file including confirmation of UK taxes paid and a copy of the original build sheet from Mercedes-Benz. Interested parties should note that the UK registration document is currently with the DVLA and will be sent to the buyer following the auction.
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