Mercedes-Benz 280 SL pagode | Fully restored | Matching numbers | European car

Vehicle History

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL offered here was delivered new in Europe in 1969. It left the factory in Dark Green Metallic (834G) with a Light Brown MB-Tex interior (139).

Factory Specifications

· Year: 1969

· Original market: Europe

· Exterior color: Dark Green Metallic (834G)

· Interior: Light Brown MB-Tex (139)

· Transmission: Automatic

· VIN: 11304412012xxx

· Chassis number: 113044-12-012658

· Engine number: 130983-12-007848

· Data card: Available

· Matching Numbers: Yes

At some point, the car was exported from Europe to the United States, where it spent many years in the state of Colorado. During its time in America, the car was repainted in off-white.

In 2021, the car was imported back to the Netherlands by Geevers Classic Cars in Asten. After purchase, it became clear that the car had a solid and well-preserved base. However, like many Pagodas of this age, it showed some local corrosion and signs of age. This led to a complete restoration, during which the car was rebuilt both mechanically and cosmetically with great attention to detail.

Restoration

1. Bodywork

The restoration started with a complete disassembly of the car. Every part was carefully removed and inspected. The body was stripped of all paint and protective coatings.

During this process, the original factory color, Dark Green Metallic (834G), was discovered. The entire underside of the car was also cleaned and stripped, making it possible to inspect the chassis in detail.

After the body was sandblasted, all areas affected by corrosion were professionally repaired. Damaged metal was completely removed and replaced with new steel panels welded in according to the original factory specifications. The goal was a high-quality restoration rather than cosmetic repairs.

All cavities and box sections were treated with Owatrol rust protection. The body seams were resealed, and the underside received high-quality protective coatings for long-term preservation.

After extensive preparation, including several coats of primer and spray filler, the car was professionally repainted in its original Dark Green Metallic (834G) color.

The result is a body with excellent panel fit, even panel gaps, and a level of finish that fully matches the quality of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL.

2. Engine and Automatic Transmission

The original matching numbers engine was completely rebuilt by a professional engine specialist.

The work included:

New oversized Mahle pistons

New main bearings and connecting rod bearings

Rebuilt cylinder head

New valves and valve guides

Inspection and overhaul of the fuel injection system

Rebuilt fuel injectors

Rebuilt mechanical fuel injection pump

Rebuilt alternator and starter motor

Rebuilt ignition components

Thanks to this work, the engine is in excellent mechanical condition and delivers the smooth performance expected from a properly restored 280 SL.

The automatic transmission was inspected and tested. Several seals, bearings and oil seals were replaced, ensuring smooth and reliable operation.

3. Braking System

For maximum safety, the complete braking system was rebuilt and renewed.

The work included:

Rebuilt brake booster

New brake master cylinder

Complete replacement of the brake lines

New high-quality copper brake lines

Rebuilt brake calipers

New brake discs

New brake pads

4. Cooling System

Both the engine radiator and the heater radiator are original to the car.

They were:

Cleaned

Pressure tested

Checked for proper flow

Refinished in the correct black finish

This combines originality with reliable cooling performance.

5. Suspension and Drivetrain

All suspension components were completely dismantled, cleaned, and refinished in a durable two-component satin black coating.

Front Suspension

Fully cleaned and repainted

New rubber bushes and mounts

New shock absorbers

Driveshaft

Cleaned and repainted

Worn parts replaced

Rear Axle

The car is fitted with a European rear axle ratio, allowing comfortable driving at modern highway speeds without unnecessarily high engine revs.

The rear axle was fully inspected, and all bearings and oil seals were replaced.

6. Interior

The complete interior has been renewed using high-quality materials.

The seats were rebuilt with new padding for improved comfort. All interior trim was reupholstered and finished with great attention to detail.

During the restoration, the original MB-Tex interior was replaced with a high-quality leather interior in Cognac, perfectly matching the classic appearance of the car.

Interior Specifications

Interior materials supplier: KHM

Leather color: Cognac #39C2

Carpet set: DB 113 2-Tone Loop #422B Bambus

Invoices for all interior materials are available.

The instruments were inspected, tested, and rebuilt where necessary. All gauges are working correctly.

7. Soft Top and Hard Top

Soft Top

The soft top was replaced during the car's time in the United States. It remains in good condition, has been professionally cleaned, and fits perfectly.

Hard Top

The hard top has been completely repainted in the original Dark Green Metallic (834G) color.

The headliner was cleaned and professionally repaired where necessary.

Summary

This is an exceptional, fully restored and mechanically rebuilt Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda. It is an original European-delivered car with matching numbers and finished in its original factory color combination.

It is an excellent choice for the enthusiast looking for quality, originality, and an outstanding driving experience.

For more information or to arrange a viewing, please contact:

Rick van der Meijs

+31 6 13704224

Thimo de Jong

+31 6 40414326