1971 MERCEDES 280SL - RARE CHAMPAGNE SHOWSTOPPER!!!

1971 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Description

1971 MERCEDES 280SL
VERY RARE AND TRULY STUNNING ORIGINAL!
ONLY 83,000 ACTUAL MILES!!
FACTORY ORIGINAL ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
FACTORY ORIGINAL INTERIOR
FACTORY ORIGINAL AIR
FACTORY ORIGINAL MANUALS AND ID PLATE
LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE NEW!!
FANTASTIC INVESTMENT!!!!
HISTORY OF THIS CAR
This is rare and drop-dead gorgeous 1971 Mercedes 280 SL coupe/convertible roadster with a 2.8 liter fuel injected six-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission. It is likely one of the nicest and most well-preserved specimens of its kind available anywhere in the world and will prove a fabulous investment or simply a great daily driver or weekend toy for the discerning classic car owner. This is a two-owner car that has been very meticulously maintained for its entire 45-year life.
Our family acquired this beautiful “Pagoda” nearly thirty years ago from the original owners (the Violas). The Violas, an elderly retiree couple, purchased the car in New York in 1971 and immediately brought it to their condo in Delray Beach, Florida. They were our good friends and next door neighbors in that condo and the car occupied the garage space directly adjacent to ours so we know where it has been since day one and how lovingly it has always been cared for and pampered. Yes, we have the sales and extensive service documents going all the way back to original sale!!Standard features on this car that are were typically not on the Euro version for this model year include: four wheel power disc brakes - tachometer - wood center console tray - wood trim on top of dash - side fender marker reflectors (illuminating) - soft-style map pockets on each door - three-point seat belts - Kienzle clock - hazard lights - sealed beam headlights - single master key. Some additional original and optional features on this car include: - sandy-beige metallic champagne color (paint code 467H) - removable hardtop - air conditioning - power steering - headrests (not on Euro) - two chrome strip “garnish moldings” on the hard top (not on Euro) - bumper guards front and rear (not on Euro)
CONDITION:
THIS CAR IS THE REAL DEAL! IT LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE AN EXPENSIVE RESTORATION BUT, REMARKABLY, IT IS NOT. IT JUST HAS BEEN EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED BY ITS CARING OWNERS.
RARE GORGEOUS CHAMPAGNE GOLD METALLIC COLOR! REGULARLY SERVICED BY TOP-NOTCH MERCEDES PROFESSIONALS ITS ENTIRE LIFE.
RECENTLY SERVICED, TUNED, AND BRAKES COMPLETELY OVERHAULED.
TRUE HEAD TURNER --BETWEEN A #1 AND # 2 (NEAR CONCOURS) CONDITION.
I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU BEFORE BIDDING TO CHECK OUT ITS ESTIMATED VALUE AND PRICE APPRECIATION TREND ON THE HAGERTY WEBSITE, NADA GUIDE, AND THE VARIOUS OTHER VALUATION SITES AND ALSO THE ACTUAL AUCTION RESULTS FOR 280SLs AT GOODING, AMELIA ISLAND, PEBBLE BEACH ETC.
THE "BUY IT NOW" PRICE IS BELOW THE ESTIMATED VALUE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS A FIXED "NO HAGGLE" PRICE.
PLEASE DO NOT COMPARE THIS CAR WITH OTHER 280SLs THAT ARE OF LESSER QUALITY OR ARE "BARN FINDS" OR HAVE SAT UNATTENDED FOR YEARS OR ARE UNDESIRABLE IN SOME WAY (E.G., NON-ORIGINAL REPLACEMENT ENGINE/TRANS OR OTHER MAJOR PARTS AND COMPONENTS, RESTORED RUST BUCKETS OR RUST HISTORY, PATCHED UP, NO HARD TOP, DEFECTS OR CHIPS IN PAINT OR CHROME, WOOD, CARPET OR UPHOLSTERY, ETC.). I WELCOME YOU TO SEE THIS VERY SPECIAL PAGODA IN PERSON AS THE PICS FROM MY CELL PHONE DO NOT DO IT JUSTICE.
This beautiful specimen has a solid original and rust-free body, chassis, panels, floorboards, undercarriage, trunk, and all throughout, which is EXTREMELY RARE for a car of this vintage. This car has no history of accident or body damage whatsoever and has always been professionally serviced, garage kept and tarp covered, and totally babied (never taken out in rainy or wet conditions). It has the factory original Mercedes engine and transmission, which are both running extremely running strong and smooth. It starts instantly, shifts effortlessly, and drives beautifully at all speeds, including high speeds.
The original factory spot welds on all fenders are clearly visible as are matching numbers on the engine, transmission, and all factory-stamped body parts throughout, evidencing the car’s originality. Even the factory original embossed firewall pad is still in place, which is especially rare. Electrical, lights, windows, wipers, speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel and other gauges are all factory original and in excellent working order. The sun visors, headrests, dash pads, and wood finishes are outstanding. The only non-original item on the dash is the radio. The original Becker radio (included with sale for purists) still works fine but was replaced about three years ago with a new Pioneer radio with CD and USB port.
The factory original Frigiking A/C unit and heater works great. The battery (Mercedes brand) is like new and a convenient shut off switch was added so that it may be simply and easily turned off to preserve charge for extended periods if necessary without the need for a battery tender. Custom color-matching alloy wheels added by the original owner are in excellent condition.
Also included with sale are the factory original steel wheels with color-matching original dish-style hubcaps and beauty trim rings (shown in pic). The suspension, shocks, and exhaust system are in excellent condition. The car was also recently serviced and tuned and the brakes were completely overhauled. The tires (Michellins) are like new with nearly full thread and provide a soft ride (the factory original tires were Continental).
The car glistens in the original factory champagne gold color (which Mercedes for some reason calls “sandy beige metallic” - paint code 467H) and is truly beautiful with a mirror-like deep luster that looks showroom new. Of all the available original factory colors, this one (which was offered as an optional upgrade) is a gorgeous shade that perhaps best captures the elegance and style of the Pagoda. Remarkably, this car has never had even a single paint chip or scratch. The matching-color removable hardtop is in excellent condition, having spent nearly all of its life removed and tarp-covered on a storage stand (included with sale).
The bumpers and all other chrome and brightwork throughout are all factory original and shine brilliantly like new with no flaws or pitting whatsoever. The black interior is also factory original and and in excellent condition (no stains, rips, cracks, or tears). The carpeting is the original gray/black weave and in excellent condition (having always been covered with a layer of protective mats). The upholstery and wood trim on the dash are also all original and also in superb condition.
For the true enthusiast or collector, the fact that this car has ALWAYS BEEN RUST-FREE (even in common trouble spot areas) and has been so well-preserved will undoubtedly make it even more valuable as time goes by. Whether you are buying for personal enjoyment or long-term investment, you will not be disappointed. The market for original Mercedes 280 SLs has really begun to take off in the past few years and solid-body rust-free original specimens like this one are highly-coveted and extremely hard to find. Included with purchase are the factory original owner’s manuals, extensive service documents, two sets of keys, the factory original leather pouch tool roll kit, and the factory original jack equipment, wheel stop, and spare tire cover.
The descriptions provided herein are to the best of seller’s knowledge and are not guarantees or warranties. Although the car is in exceptional condition for its age, please note that it is not a new car. This car is 45-years old, has been used and driven, and as such will have some minor imperfections commensurate with age and usage. It is being sold AS IS, WHERE IS, without warranty of any kind, express or implied.
PAYMENT TERMS
Bank to bank wire transfer is the required payment method as it is the safest and fastest-clearing method of payment for both buyer and seller. The vehicle and title will not be released or conveyed until seller receives documented confirmation from seller’s bank that the full payment of funds by buyer has completely cleared and is available in seller’s account. Please ask any questions prior to the listing period close. Inspections are encouraged and welcome but must be done PRIOR to the end of the listing period, not after it ends.
A non-refundable $2000 deposit via Paypal is required within 24 hours of auction close and the buyer must contact seller within this period to arrange shipping and confirm payment details.
The full balance is required within 5 calendar days of auction close. Sale is final and there are no refunds, credits, adjustments or returns. Shipping expenses and arrangements for shipping or pickup are solely the buyer’s responsibility. Serious inquiries and offers only, please. Please do not bid or make offers unless you have the funds available.
Also, please be advised that this car is advertised for sale locally and elsewhere and seller reserves the right to terminate this listing at any time.
NOTE: I AM A PRIVATE INDIVIDUAL (RETIRED ATTORNEY AND ANTIQUE CAR ENTHUSIAST), NOT A DEALER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME IF YOU ARE A SERIOUS BUYER SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.