Equipment
Automatic, wheel covers, narrow whitewalls, hardtop, power brakes, Kenwood cassette stereo, dash clock, Nardi woodrim steering wheel.
Condition
#3 Good
Runs and drives well. Flaws not noticeable to passersby. Most common condition.
Trunk doesn't quite fit flush. Good paint other than some light chips and scratches throughout. Scratches around rear of the top from taking it off are significant. Bumpers are aged, need major polish or even re-chroming. Trim is original. Glass has some light scratches. Wheel covers need a polish. Engine bay could use a detailing as well. A solid older car with cosmetic attention that's been used. It doesn't need anything serious, but there are plenty of noticeable flaws.
Market commentary
This 280SL crossed the block here a year ago with a reported bid of $55,000, then came back for a reprise in the fall with a reported bid of $47,500 despite a fresh repaint. The seller finally got the message and took the money, which is reasonable for a 280SL, the most desirable of the Pagoda SL's, in this condition. Sharp value increases a couple of years ago brought a lot of these SLs to market, and now it seems that most of the people who wanted one have already bought one.