This very original and superbly documented 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL “Pagoda” had only one collector car owner from new until 2018, a full 50 years of ownership. Having amassed a mere 33,000 miles from new, this is one of the best original 280SLs extant.  Presented today in its rare, data card correct original paint color of 291 Dark Olive Green over an impressively well-kept original 140 Cognac MB Tex interior, all original books and tools, original owner aluminum data plate and an extensive history file including original purchase invoice and window sticker.  If you are looking to add an investment grade W113 to your collection, this is one to seriously consider.  (For more details, please see the 241 photos and four videos on the Classic Promenade website)

This 280SL was bought new on the 5^th of November 1968 by Dr. George Geanekopulos from Ed Potter, Inc, the local Mercedes-Benz dealer in Columbus, OH.  Dr. George traded in his 1965 Mustang Convertible toward the purchase of the Mercedes.  Dr. George was a noted collector of cars and practiced dentistry in Columbus for 45 years.  He retained the 280SL within his collection for 50 years, until it was sold upon his passing on the 13^th of October 2018.  It is now presented with 33,082 miles from new and nearly all original except one excellent repaint and normal service.

This 280SL comes complete with all of its pristine original tools in the correct original tool roll, its original owner’s manuals, original service booklet with aluminum data plate showing Dr. George as its owner, original warranty card, factory data card, original Kangol seat-belt instructions, the original window sticker and sales invoice and a stack of receipts from new.  As an investment grade Pagoda, this is very well documented in all respects.

The livery is in concours-ready condition in its Dark Olive Green (Paint Code 291).  The paint is nearly perfect condition with a few very small imperfections that are only noticeable upon very close inspection (which is our role).  The body panel fit is perfect and all the important inspections for Pagoda’s check out: the spot welds in the engine compartment, the VIN stamp in the hood and hardtop, the notches in the headlight area, even the date code of July 1968 is revealed on the trunk seal.  Service stickers are still proudly displayed on the driver’s door from 1969 and 1970.  This 280SL is a proverbial time capsule.  The chrome and stainless-steel trim are all in excellent original condition.  The present owner had a Mercedes-Benz dealer install a new correct windshield and seals to add to the cars concours quality presentation.

The interior is also in nearly perfect original condition, with its original Cognac MB Tex (Trim Code 140) in excellent condition.  The dashboard, instruments, steering wheel and carpet are also fantastic.  The wood trim is also in excellent condition.  As you would expect, all of the instrument’s work as new and the Becker Europa AM/FM radio also works well.  It still has its original Hirshman antenna.  The original black soft-top is securely stowed under its compartment.  Incredibly, it has not shrunk and was easy to close.  It is in wonderful original condition but obviously is showing patina.  The hardtop is also in nearly perfect original condition, including the headliner and wood trim.

The engine compartment is also beautifully detailed and ready to show.  The original firewall pad is in gorgeous condition, which reflects the care this 280SL received throughout its life.  The 2.8-liter SOHC 6-Cylinder Engine has 170 bhp with its Bosch Mechanical Multi-Port Fuel Injection.  This 280SL performs brilliantly and our driving videos show you the wonderful power of this venerable powerplant.  Its Four-Speed Automatic Gearbox shifts perfectly at all speeds and conditions without any hesitation or unwanted noises.  Its Four-Wheel Disc Brakes inspire confidence in all conditions, feeling much like a newer Mercedes.  Recent work included the installation of a new stainless-steel exhaust system and Bilstein shocks.

For more information and details, please call or text Harry Clark at +1.602.245.7200 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.