1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster

While the earliest history of the 280SL offered here is not currently established, in 2013 the car was purchased out of Southern California by Dr. Ali Emani, a long-time Texas based collector of many blue-chip classics. Included in Dr. Emani’s collection at the time were Corvettes, a closed headlight 1967 E-Type Jaguar, an original series Shelby Cobra and many other cars from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Emani had long been after a very original Mercedes ‘Pagoda’ candidate car for restoration to meet the lofty standards of the other cars in his collection stable, and subsequent his purchase of this 280SL, a meticulous cosmetic and mechanical “open checkbook” overhaul ensued over the course of several leading to the current, superbly rendered condition of the car today.

Today this restored W113 Mercedes-Benz 280SL presents as per the specifications designated by Dr. Emani with a subtle panache in 040 black paint over 140 cognac MB tex accented by green tinted carpets. In addition to the full and thorough cosmetic overhaul which speaks for itself, engine bay refinishing processes round out a beautiful overall product full of curb appeal and authenticity.

Beyond the cosmetic work as part of the goal to create a well-rounded, refined driving experience with show quality curb appeal, a full mechanical overhaul was also completed by Dallas based South African native and Mercedes-Benz expert Arnold Sender of ProSpeed. In the end, Dr. Emani’s wish for a “show car that I can drive” was fulfilled with creature comfort amenities such as period correct AC installed and functioning as intended towards carefree, head turning enjoyment.

In March of 2022, the car was purchased by another Dallas based collector on the very day that the car was listed for sale. Enjoyment of driving and show quality cosmetics were the order of the day, and those quality requirements for the current owner were met fully and completely. At the time of purchase, it was discovered that the car had been the recipient of a proper and correct factory replacement engine accompanying “Tauschaggregat” tag numbered 605498, a designation noting this as a dealer issued factory replacement engine and importantly not an engine from another W113 model car.

Since purchasing this 280SL, the current owner has driven the car sparingly and shown it several times. This Pagoda Mercedes was selected for the Sponsors Trophy (a top 3 prize) at the Park Cities Car Show in 2022, a 300 vehicle curated show which is noteworthy as the biggest showcase of collector cars in North Texas. It also won First Prize for the Mercedes Benz Club – North Texas Chapter summer show in 2022…a lovely example which always turns heads and gets attention wherever it goes. The car has always been stored in an air conditioned facility in Dallas, Texas since purchase by the current owner with periodic servicing by Arnold Sender and later by Scott Grundfor Company upon arrival at our facility in late 2024.

As a superbly restored and high quality example of the widely appreciated Mercedes-Benz 280SL ‘Pagoda’, this example has been well sorted by Scott Grundfor Company and exists today as a high quality performer on the road with unexpectedly high cosmetic appeal in black over cognac mb tex. This W113 Mercedes is primed and ready for events and regular driving use.