Cars

PRINCIPAL FACTS: Registered in 1970, this Gray Blue Metallic 280 SL has covered just over 61,000 miles since. Coming with a very comprehensive history file it's benefitted from a full body respray recently, which is of a very high standard. Combine that with its near perfect interior and superb mechanical condition this is a very desirable Pagoda. Featuring a dark blue fabric hood, it comes with its factory hardtop, this a car that's a deep detailing away from being a strong contender in a concours class. Keenly priced given its excellent condition, we don't anticipate this car being in the showroom for long. CONDITION SYNOPSIS: The Gray Blue Metallic paintwork on this 280 SL is finished to an excellent standard, which, given it was fully resprayed in 2019 comes as little surprise. The rest of the car matches that exterior condition, with it in fine order mechanically, our inspection highlighting a few leaks which isn't uncommon for a car of this age. Under the bonnet it's all in order, but a thorough engine detailing would bring the engine bay's look to match that of the rest of the car. The dark blue interior looks superb against that light exterior, with the only sign of use being a tiny bit of sag on the driver's seat, and a small area in the passenger side sill carpet that's worn to the backing. Both would be easy fixes if the next owner desires perfection. The blue fabric roof is in good condition, but does, as most do, exhibit some marks due to its constant storage, while there's a small delamination in the rear plastic window. Neither are of concern, particularly given it's likely never to be used/seen. The hardtop was resprayed at the same time as the rest of the car and as such is in excellent condition. The whitewall tyres look fantastic against the colour-coded and chrome wheels, but they're now of an age that we'd recommend replacing them before enjoying this car. HISTORY FILE: Coming with its original service booklet, with a satisfyingly large number of stamps in it this car's been well-looked after for all its life. It's been the recipient of two restorative overhauls in its life, with the most recent putting right any corrosion and returning it to its correct, factory, Gray Blue Metallic colour. There's a memory stick in the box files with an extensive library of images detailing the work done by Hilton & Moss. There's a thick pile of MOTs to confirm the mileage, and plenty of receipts and invoices as evidence of owners who've not scrimped on this car's maintenance and care. SLSHOP SUMMARY: It's a few insignificant, inexpensive jobs away from perfection if that's your desire with it, and the owner is open to discussion around the oil leaks noted on our inspection. With its owner pricing it to sell this a car we'd love to see its next custodian use, and use regularly - though it'll need some new tyres if you're going to do so, as the current ones are old now, and won't do this car justice on the road.