Registration: A176 BHL

Chassis Number: 1070422A009880

Engine Number: 11100000000000

Odometer reading 92000 miles

In 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190 SL and 300 SL, the 230 SL. It was a stunning Paul Bracq-designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes-Benz new design featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. To save on weight, the hood, door skins, boot lid and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminium. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. In 1967, Mercedes-Benz introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280 SL, and it then became apparent that some cars don't change, they just get better. The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis with a rear swing axle, independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power came from a 2.8 litre version of Mercedes-Benz robust inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection. These roadsters have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s. This superb 280 SL Roadster was supplied new to the UK in May 1984. It is presented in a stunning colour combination of Lapis Blue metallic with matching factory hard top, navy blue soft top and complemented with navy check sports cloth interior. It comes with a good service history with fifteen stamps to the original service book with 90% of them being carried out at Mercedes-Benz main agents. The car has just been serviced in October 2018 and a recent exhaust system was fitted. Described by the current vendor as in excellent condition, the service history includes all the old MoT test certificates dating back to 1991 at 54,000 miles. Supplied with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificate which expires in April 2019 and a wind defector, this example is a rare find, reliable and driving superbly. Many similar models are now on offer at double the price; this is potentially a good investment for the future.