About this Mercedes-Benz SL Series

Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ (1969) – Original UK RHD | Fully Restored | Exceptional Provenance

Chassis No: 11304422010168 & Engine No: 13098022R15019 Built: 22nd May 1969 | First Registered: 1st August 1969

Mercedes-Benz manufactured a total of 8,047 280 SL's worldwide during 1969, but only approximately 750 were RHD cars and this example is one of only a believed 400 RHD cars sold in the UK in 1969 and according to the Mercedes-Benz Datacard, the car retains its original colour combination of Signal Red with a Black interior, complemented by a matching Hard Top in Signal Red and a Black Mohair soft top.

History

Originally supplied new to a Mrs Audrey June Arnett of Southsea and first registered on 1st August 1969 with the number plate AMF 2H, she enjoyed the car for 13 years before selling it. It was purchased by its 2nd Owner, Mr Geoffrey Gladstone from Camberley in Surrey, from Sam Hartley Car Sales in February 1982 and after 4 years and covering 8,000 miles, he took the car off the road in 1986 in order to completely restore the car.

He spent the next two years totally dismantling and labelling every part and by the summer of 1988 the bodyshell was ready to start rebuilding. This work was entrusted to a local panel specialist, whilst Mr Gladstone worked on all mechanical aspects of the car. Work progressed slowly due to his career commitments and overseas travel and in 1993 the family decided to move to Dubai, so the AMF 2H was sold to a Mr Malcolm Underwood who was an Engineer from Staines, Middlesex in July 1993.

When Mr Underwood bought the car, the bodyshell had been fitted with new inner and outer wings, new rear panel, new front wings, new front panel, new box sections art the top of the front wheel arches plus some small repair sections to the bulkhead and was remarkably rust free due to it been garaged all of its life.

He undertook lots of work on the car himself and it was given to John Timms @ Contract Paint Ltd who grit-blasted the shell, replaced the boot floor, completely wax injected the body and resprayed as necessary. The car was then assembled with many new mechanical and trim parts - too long to list, and despite the engine having previously been rebuilt with a new short engine from Mercedes @ 87,035 miles, he was not happy with the engine and gave it to marque specialist Tony Montalbano of T M Motors in West Molesey, Surrey. They rebuilt the car and the engine and gearbox and their are worksheets totalling 1,210 hours upon completion in 1999/2000 and at a cost of more than £35,000. 

The car was finished to near Concours standard throughout and became very well known in Mercedes-Benz Owners Club circles, winning several awards.

There is a letter from Mr Underwood in the file and also shown in the documents sections below detailing all the history and works completed up until he sold it in October 2001 to its current and 4th owner from Barnes, in South West London. 

During Mr McKenna's ownership of 25 years, the car has been regularly maintained and MOT'd every year by T M Motors and when not in use, it has been kept in a climate-controlled Cocoon in a purpose built garage for the car.

This car really is in exceptional and 'show condition' throughout and it does drive superbly. He is only now reluctantly having sell the car due to relocation to the USA, so we have been given the task of selling the car for him, as he lives locally to our showrooms.

Specification

Engine: 2.8L 6-Cylinder Fuel-Injected, Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic, Steering: Power Assisted, Brakes: Front & Rear Disc Brakes, Wheels: Original 14” Steel Wheels with Mercedes-Benz Full-Face Trims, Interior: Black Leather seats with excellent wood trim, excellent carpets + Rubber Over-Mats, Roof Options: Body-Coloured Factory Hard Top & Black Mohair Folding Soft Top in 'As New' condition.

Documentation & Extras

Supplied with an extensive history file - all stored in a large plastic box containing 3 ring binders, including: Original Mercedes-Benz Datacard, Full service & restoration history, including detailed invoices from Mercedes-Benz and specialists, All original books, manuals, and documents wallet, Historic MOT records, ownership correspondence, and show documentation, Hard Top Stand & Cover, Original Tool Kit, and additional literature.

Historic Vehicle: Road Tax & MOT Exempt - ULEZ Compliant - Clear HPi Report

Upon sale, it will be given a pre-sales service, a new MOT, and come with our standard 6-month mechanical warranty.

This 280 SL Pagoda is without doubt one of the finest examples available, boasting originality, full UK provenance, expert restoration, and careful long-term ownership. A rare opportunity to acquire a car that is as exquisite to drive as it is to admire — and one that has proven to be a sound investment as values continue to rise.

Now available for viewing at our Mortlake showroom, South West London.

Note: All descriptions are offered in good faith based on documentation and information provided by previous owners. Buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person to satisfy themselves of its condition and suitability. This does not affect your statutory rights.