1968 Mercedes-Benz W113 280SL with Red Leather

An exceptional 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL finished in metallic grey with a contrasting red leather interior this car was the recipient of a full nut and bold, bare metal restoration in 2017 to ‘better than new’ condition. Post rebuild it was exhibited at the London Classic Motor Show, with it also featuring briefly in a Petrolicious video on the Pagoda SL.

Used sparingly since its comprehensive recommissioning, and always garaged, the odometer states a correct 78,669 miles, with only a handful of these having been undertaken on its fully rebuilt engine and transmission. The history file features a book with a comprehensive photographic record of its restoration, with the work being undertaken by Hemmels, in Cardiff, UK.

The basis for an exceptional restoration is a good car in the first place, and with this car having spent its early years in the warmer climates of the USA and Southern Italy it was the perfect starting point. Stripped back to its bare metalwork, any areas requiring attention received it and used only genuine Mercedes-Benz parts. Undercoated, repainted and lacquered over many weeks, the fully rebuilt engine and transmission were married back with the better than new body, while the interior was retrimmed in red leather to contrast the large white thin-rimmed Bakelite steering wheel. This complete, no-expense spared restoration was undertaken in 2017, with the owner having since tweaked details to allow for bedding in and use post completion of the rebuild. As such this 280 SL presents in incredible condition, with unblemished paintwork, an interior that looks and feels beautiful and a drive that’s as good, if not better than it would have been for its first owner back in ’68.

As with many cars this age, its detailed early history has been misplaced. However, having been so comprehensively restored in 2017 that’s not really an issue, as what we have here is essentially a new car. What history that does exist is recent, then, though its file does include a hard-bound pictorial book recording its nut and bolt, bare metal, engine rebuild and interior retrim, to its current as new condition. Since, its owner has spared no expense on maintaining it, with paperwork outlining the fastidious attention to detail that’s been lavished on this exceptional car.

A rare opportunity to buy an as new 280 SL, FND 133L is a car you can buy and enjoy, safe in the knowledge that it’s in excellent order throughout. The Metallic Grey paint, white-walled tyres and the bright red leather interior are a classic combination, that suits the Pagoda perfectly. The AC blows cool air where you want it, while a wind deflector behind the front seats keeps draughts from where you don’t want them. It comes with its hard-top and features a Becker Mexico stereo system, this turn-key Pagoda ready for its next owner to enjoy as its first one did.