Author Topic: 1970 280sl restoration project  (Read 2194 times)

edwardburak@erols.com

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1970 280sl restoration project
« on: August 02, 2021, 17:42:14 »
I am restoring my 1970 280sl US version

its original paint color is a dark blue.

is there a paint color that is the most valuable?

or would repainting it in its original color be the most valuable?
thanks

Benz Dr.

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #1 on: August 02, 2021, 18:44:33 »
I kind of go by:

1) rare original color
2) original color
3) a color you like

Remember that there are a lot of small places that some paint is applied where that would still need to be covered. Changing color is more work than one might think or believe.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

lreppond

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #2 on: August 02, 2021, 23:20:08 »
Original color is always the most desirable!   It’s the car’s DNA. 

But color likes and dislikes are fashion.  Right now olive green cars are very hot.  A year or two from now, maybe something else.  For me, it’s the combination.  Dark exteriors with light interiors or vice versa are visually exciting while matching interiors are more sedate but elegant.   

Personally a cream car with a turquoise interior is the most eye catching Pagoda I’ve ever seen!   It’s a rare combination and one in pristine condition would be very desirable.  The only color pagoda I’ve never seen in person is a copper metallic one.  I think that may be the rarest color?
« Last Edit: August 03, 2021, 02:09:09 by lreppond »
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

MikeSimon

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #3 on: August 02, 2021, 23:40:57 »
Because of the fact that the instrument panel is in body color and the soft-top lid is under the hardtop, the W113 is one of the cars where a color change from original is very difficult to do right.
I would stick with original color or something close to it from the MB color palette.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner

edwardburak@erols.com

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #4 on: August 02, 2021, 23:59:13 »
thanks guys

Alex D

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #5 on: August 03, 2021, 00:33:11 »
Hi lreppond,

You have very good taste in color combinations. Is this the cream & turquoise eye catching combination your mentioning?

Family owned since new (father in law -> son in law) 











Alex D
1967 250 SL
Original 140K mi
181 Light Beige, with  112 Turquoise Interior

lreppond

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #6 on: August 03, 2021, 01:56:17 »
That is exactly it!   
What color is the hardtop….horizon blue?   
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

Bonnyboy

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #7 on: August 03, 2021, 04:25:45 »
I agree with past posts but if the change to white has been done properly, then I would keep the white because with that blue interior the car looks amazing. 

Ian
69 280SL
65 F-100
73 CB750K
75 MGB
78 FLH
82 CB750SC
94 FLHTCU
08 NPS50

Alex D

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #8 on: August 03, 2021, 20:44:32 »
Yes, hardtop is light blue. 
Alex D
1967 250 SL
Original 140K mi
181 Light Beige, with  112 Turquoise Interior

Shvegel

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #9 on: August 03, 2021, 22:19:05 »
Alex,
Your car always screams, "Miami Beach" to me.

SLMan

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #10 on: August 04, 2021, 02:06:08 »
Eggshell with Cognac stands out too

lreppond

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Re: 1970 280sl restoration project
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2021, 01:27:53 »
I totally agree.  Ivory with cognac is a classic, traditional combination of light paint with a contrasting interior.  (The ivory steering wheel and shifter knob compliment the paint and upholstery beautifully.)

It would be interesting to determine what colors combinations were most popular, or rather most commonly used and which were not.   I’m sure data exist but I’m unaware if it’s ever been published. Certainly between 1963 and 1971 tastes were changing.  Silver, white, ivory and signal red seem to be the most abundant for the model.   In terms of interiors, I think black and cognac were very popular. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)