Hi Group,
I’d like to share my recent good fortune of winning ‘Best in Class’ at this year’s Motorclassica in Melbourne, Australia which is Australia’s premier car show. Like many other events it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 so this was this first for 3 years.
I purchased this 1970 280SL locally in 2014 as a Rusty but driveable car - intent on doing a ground-up Pagoda restoration. The car appealed to me as l liked the colour combo of Dunkelrot with Bamboo MB Tex, and the condition(poor) and price of the car removed any guilt l had of stripping down a good car.
The 5 year restoration was gruelling at times, but I’m happy l didn’t hold back and achieved the best result l could. Whilst not doing any real physical work myself, l managed the project using local vendors who l could trust and had past experience on Pagoda’s.
I could not have achieved this result without the help of this Group/Forum! I particularly used John’s ( aka 49er) original engine bay photos as reference - down to the yellow caps on the battery.
The car was finished in time for the 2020 MB concours in Victoria but had to wait 2 more years for Covid restrictions before entry.
I won a number of awards at the 2022 MB concours including ‘Best in Show’. Last month it won ‘Best in Class’ at Motorclassica. The class was “New Age British & European Classics 1961-1980”. ( I thought Britain was part of Europe 😆)
I was amongst friends at Motorclassica as my buddy, Jimmy Christo had 2 of his beauties on display - a 1967 280SL ZF 5-speed and his 1970 280SE 3.5 Cab.
We then promptly celebrated with another friend who manages Lindsay Fox’s car collection including the overall Motorclassica winner - a stunning 1930’s 540K.
( N.B: Lindsay Fox is a well known Australian Billionaire, Philanthropist and Car Collector).
See attached a few photos from the show and afterwards outside the Fox Museum with friends.
