Seller Notes

1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL for sale! Motorcar Classics is pleased to present this stunning 280SL presented in refinished White (DB 050) with Black MB-Tex vinyl and matching carpets. This Mercedes was refurbished by Gus Kidonakis of Beverly Hill Motors in Houston, Texas prior to the seller?s acquisition in a process that involved the body being stripped to bare metal, repaired and straightened, and epoxy-primed prior to being refinished in white with clear coat. The underside, engine compartment, and wheel wells were cleaned, repaired, and stone-guarded prior to painting and the rocker panels were painted black. The token spot welds are retained as well as the notches inside both front fenders. The air-conditioning drain was redirected to exit behind the front passenger tire.
Steel 14 wheels wear polished and body-color covers and are mounted with 185/75 and fitted with new tires. Braking is handled by four-wheel discs. During the car?s refurbishment, the front suspension received cleaned and painted springs as well as replacement bushings, mounts, shock absorbers, and control arms, while the rear suspension was rebuilt and the shocks replaced. Brake discs and pads, lines, and hoses were replaced, and the calipers were rebuilt. A tool kit, jack, and full-size spare are located in the trunk.
The cabin is upholstered in black MB-Tex vinyl with matching carpets and trim with wood finishes at the top of the dashboard and between the seats. Equipment includes air conditioning, Becker Europa radio, clock and floor mats. The dashboard was re-covered with MB-Tex by Beverly Hill Motors, and the seats and carpeting were replaced prior to the refurbishment.
The black steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames VDO instrumentation that includes a 140-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges monitoring oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 71k miles and the current owner has accounted for roughly 5000 of those, however we are representing the car as true mileage unknown.
The 2.8-liter inline-six was rated at 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque when new. The engine received a valve job and was detailed during the refurbishment. Additionally, the electric fuel pump was rebuilt with new pump and tank hoses, the radiator was recorded, and the steering pump, steering gearbox, water pump, thermostat, belts, and injection system were replaced or rebuilt. The air-conditioning compressor was replaced with a rotary-type Sanden unit, and the hoses, condenser, and blower motor were replaced.
Serial number 130983-10-005149 is stamped into the engine block, matching the vehicles data card.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The driveshaft was rebuilt and balanced after the U-joints and center support were replaced. A stainless-steel exhaust system was installed, and the exhaust manifolds were ceramic coated. The original 3.92:1 axle was replaced with a rebuilt 3.27:1 unit to reduce RPMs at higher speeds. Manufacturer?s literature, a copy of the data card, and other documentation will accompany the car along with a blue California license plate last registered in 2004.
This 280SL is a recipient of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America Silver Star Preservation Class award. The seller reports winning Best in Class (Pagoda) three times at MBCA New York City/Long Island chapter concourse events, in addition to Best in Show twice at the same event.
With 5000 miles since the complete restoration this car has won best in show three times at the Mercedes Benz Club in NYC-LI Great Marques and best in class two times plus the Judges Award on yet another occasion, also best in show at Americana Manhasset and numerous other awards as a prime example of this classic vehicle. Do not miss this opportunity to own this investment grade 280SL!