About this Mercedes-Benz SL Series

1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL ‘PAGODA’ (RHD) 

Signal Red with Black Leather Interior | Matching Signal Red Hardtop & Black Mohair Soft Top

Original UK RHD | 4 Owners From New | Expert Restoration & Exceptional Provenance

An extraordinary opportunity to acquire one of the finest UK-delivered 280 SL Pagodas available today. Finished in its original, factory-correct colour combination of Signal Red over Black, this rare Right-Hand Drive example boasts documented provenance, a comprehensive professional restoration, and 25 years of meticulous long-term care.

Highlights & Overview

• Ultra-Rare UK Specification: One of only ~750 RHD 280 SL's produced worldwide in 1969, and one of a believed 400 originally delivered to the UK market.
• Factory Originality: Confirmed by its original Mercedes-Benz Datacard to retain its correct Signal Red body (including underbody) with matching hardtop, black interior, and black soft top.
• Master Restoration: Complete nut-and-bolt restoration documented with over 1,210 specialist hours and £35,000+ in historical invoices (1999 value).
• 25-Year Long-Term Ownership: Cherished by its current local owner since 2001, stored in a climate-controlled cocoon, and maintained strictly by marque specialists.
• Concours Pedigree: Award-winner within the Mercedes-Benz Club circles.

History & Provenance

Built 22nd May 1969 | First Registered 1st August 1969 (‘AMF 2H’)

• 1st Owner (1969–1982): Supplied new to Mrs Audrey June Arnett of Southsea, who owned the car for 13 years.
• 2nd Owner (1982–1993): Purchased by Mr Geoffrey Gladstone of Camberley, Surrey. In 1986, after covering 8,000 careful miles, he embarked on a complete restoration—meticulously dismantling and labeling every component. Panel work was entrusted to local specialists before career moves overseas halted completion.
• 3rd Owner (1993–2001): Acquired by engineer Mr Malcolm Underwood of Staines. Starting with an exceptionally sound bodyshell (new inner/outer wings, front panel, rear panel, and box sections already fitted), the shell was sand-blasted, fitted with a new boot floor, fully wax-injected, and repainted by John Timms @ Contract Paint Ltd. The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt by leading specialist Tony Montalbano of T M Motors (Surrey). Completed in 1999 following 1,210 hours of documented labor and over £35,000 in parts and specialist work, the car emerged in near-Concours condition, going on to win multiple awards with the Mercedes-Benz Owners Club.
• 4th Owner (2001–Present): Owned for the past 25 years by a South West London collector based in Barnes. Maintained without regard to cost by T M Motors and stored in a climate-controlled cocoon within a purpose-built triple garage. Offered for sale now only due to the current owner's relocation to the USA.

Specification

Engine: 2.8-Litre Inline 6-Cylinder (Fuel-Injected)
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
Steering: Factory Power-Assisted Steering
Braking: Hydraulic Front & Rear Disc Brakes
Wheels: 14” Original Steel Wheels with Period-Correct Mercedes-Benz Full-Face Color-Coded Trims
Interior: Black Leather Seats, Pristine Wood Trim, Fresh Carpets with Protective Rubber Over-Mats
Weather Protection: Factory Signal Red Hardtop & Black Mohair Folding Soft Top (presented in 'as new' condition)

Documentation & Included Extras

This 280 SL comes accompanied by an extraordinarily comprehensive history archive stored across three large ring-binders, all in a large plastic box, including:

Handwritten history letter from 3rd owner detailing all restoration works
Extensive invoice history from Mercedes-Benz and T M Motors
Original owner’s manuals, books, and leather document wallet + Mercedes-Benz Datacard
Historic MOT certificates, ownership letters, and MB Club award documentation
Factory Hardtop Stand & Protective Cover
Original Tool Kit & historic literature
Clear HPI Report

There are also lots of spare parts included with the car.

Vehicle Status & Sale Terms

Historic Vehicle: Road Tax Exempt, MOT Exempt, and ULEZ Compliant.
Pre-Sale Preparation: Supplied with a fresh pre-delivery inspection/service, a new MOT, and our standard 6-Month Mechanical Warranty.

Without question, this is one of the sweet-spot driving Pagodas on the market today. It handles, performs, and presents at the highest level—offering a rare opportunity for both the collector and driving enthusiast.

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. Prospective buyers are welcomed and encouraged to inspect the vehicle in person to satisfy themselves as to condition. This does not affect your statutory rights.