1968 | Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Ordered in January 1967 as a UK-delivery car, this remarkably early Mercedes-Benz 280 SL chassis number 525 with body number 322 is a standout example of the marque's definitive 'Pagoda'. Both numbers are stamped on the bonnet, hardtop and gearbox mounting, affirming the car's originality and authenticity.

A concours level restoration has returned this rare, right hand drive example to its factory-correct specification, complemented by full provenance and documentation. As one of the first few dozen cars produced and among only circa 2,388 UK right hand drive examples ever built, it represents a highly desirable and historically significant piece of Mercedes-Benz heritage. Supplied with two original Factory Data Cards, this 280 SL is an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector.

Finished from new in Midnight Blue with black MB-Tex, this car was among the very first 280 SLs produced worldwide. It has since been beautifully restored and is now presented with a superb Parchment leather interior. The upholstery has been crafted using a semi-aniline tanning process with slightly corrected grain and a soft matte finish. Complementing the interior are two-tone blue loop carpets supplied by KHM Stuttgart GmbH (Klaus Hans Mayer), Mercedes-Benz's original equipment trim supplier. The soft top hood is trimmed in, original-specification, Sonnenland canvas, a premium three-layer German-made mohair fabric produced by Haartz.

Delivered new and first registered on 1st March 1968, this 280 SL boasts an unusually complete provenance. It remained in Dorset for more than two decades under the care of its first two owners, before passing to Mrs Rosie Arnold, a renowned award-winning advertising art director, who cherished the car for the following 23 years. The current custodian, a long time Pagoda enthusiast, acquired the car in 2021 and subsequently commissioned a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration. Every component has been meticulously rebuilt or refurbished to factory correct specification, employing modern materials, techniques and paint systems to achieve a standard that both honours the original craftsmanship and ensure lasting quality.

The restoration work completed between 2022 and 2024, included a bare metal repaint and body preparation in the original Glasurit Midnight Below, along with complete mechanical rebuilds of the engine, gearbox, rear axle and suspension. All major systems were thoroughly refurbished to as-new condition. The M130 engine and automatic transmission were expertly rebuilt to Motoren Revise Meijerink BV, with every component renewed or refinished to factory specification. Exterior brightwork, chrome, wood trim and instrumentation were all restored to concours quality and the car is accompanied by an extensive photographic record documenting the process, as well as a comprehensive history file containing nearly forty MoT test certificates and decades of service invoices.

Supported by continuous documentation and presented in its elegant factory colours with both hard and soft tops, CVG 650F stands among the finest early-production, right hand drive 280 SLs to come to market. It represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most desirable and beautifully restored examples of Mercedes-Benz's celebrated W113 'Pagoda', a model revered for its timeless design, engineering excellence, and enduring collectability.

This particular example benefits from a Mechatronik suspension upgrade, designed to sharpen handling and reduce body roll while preserving the car's characteristic Mercedes-Benz refinement. The setup employs Mechatronik's stiffer, shorter coil springs slightly lowering the ride height and is complemented by Bilstein Gas T5 dampers. The car rides on correct Michelin 185 HR 14 MXV-P tyres, maintaining the original factory comfort and composure while delivering enhanced precision and control. This outstanding example is not merely a restoration, but a car returned to a standard that 'Paul Bracq' and his team at Sindelfingen would be justly proud of today.

Supplied with its V5 registration document, original books, tools, an extensive photographic record, and decades of service invoices, this 280 SL represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest restored Pagodas in existence. Consigned by Baljit Singh

Lot details
Year: 1968
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 280 SL 'Pagoda'
Registration: CVG 650F
Chassis No: 113 044 22 000 525 /
Odometer: 56


* Concours levels restoration with full provenance

* Early production, highly collectible, example - one of the first few dozen cars built

* One of the 2,388 right hand drive cars produced for the UK market