What do you think of this 280 SL on auction?

[mrjturnbull]

Hi everyone - new to the forum and hoping to join you as a more permanent member - provided I can buy a good one

For full transparency I don't have a great eye for the quality of vehicle, much less something as speciality as a Pagoda so I'm hoping that one of you with a keen eye and a few minutes to spare could lend a moment to give this one a look: https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-235---1968-mercedes-benz-280-sl-pagoda/?lot=18053

Perfect colour for me. Olive green exterior, cream/white interior:


Possible corrosion in the footwells:


Chipping/bubbling of paint at verious edges:


I like the look of it and for something at the lower-end of the price range I'd say it looks pretty reasonable over all. But I guess I'm interested in hearing from someone more experiences on:

• Whether you see any obvious red flags?
• Do any of the restorations made impact its value? Alternatively, do the restorations appear to be faithful to the original?
• Would you risk buying it unseen?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[JamesL]

It's a US spec car that has lived in Italy and is now UK registered. So it's been about a bit and had some restoration work done (the engine bay/firewall pad won't look that good after 50+ years without) so assume the mileage is at least 126,000. And it has no/very little history to tell you what has/has not been done in recent years - Goodwood/Bonhams had a white 230 up this weekend that had had a load spent on a restoration but had much cosmetically wrong with it - which may or may not have been the same underneath

It looks like the engine bay itself is black but that may be the dark olive - which is a lovely colour.

Needs a new soft-top at some point but that sort of depends on how much you may use that. Carpet looks new, indeed, cosmetically it looks v good

If it's close to reserve, it looks like a decent car for the money - with the caveat that there's no shots under the car, no idea what's under the boot/trunk carpet, no idea what the rust situation is or the condition of the engine.

https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/30544/lot/173/1965-mercedes-benz-230-sl-convertible-with-hardtop-chassis-no-10304220009402/

[Raymond]

In addition to James' observations I'd worry about the engine.  Without a compression check on the engine, you can't know what condition it is in. Is it possible to ask the seller to post results of a compression check?  That isn't an absolute guarantee but would indicate major problems with the piston rings or valves.  If it runs well and falls near the estimated sale price, it looks like a good deal.

[Pawel66]

I think it is not a bad car - certainly looks good.

Old soft top, but it is not a very expensive operation. You just need to do it right, but here on the Forum you have all you need for that.

I wonder why there is no correct hood (bonnet) support. I would also see if she is not overheating - as discussed here on the Forum, hood (bonnet) insulation was not recommended as it disturbs heat exchange in engine bay. Checking oil and coolant condition would not be a bad idea due to that, but maybe I am too cautious.

As mentioned already the first and foremost questions are:
1. Rust (and do not be deceived by nice look of the car). It may not be 100% rust free, but the question is how much rust and where is there.
2. Overall engine condition (hence compression check)

If rust is moderate and engine ok more or less - good offer, I think.

[rwmastel]

Maybe one of our members in the UK can recommend a person or company to do an inspection for you.  No undercarriage pics.   
- These cars never came with a hood pad.
- Where is the correct hood prop and strap?
- What is that box with a relay(?) between the battery and brake fluid reservoir?
- What is that cable or wire hanging from under the dash by the transmission tunnel?
- Is that large badge next to the license plate screwed into the sheet metal?
- Carpet in trunk is not original, nor does it match the interior, but fits nice.
- Passenger window crank is missing upholstery insert.

Rust is #1 issue to know about.  That is best analyzed in person.

[mrjturnbull]

Thank you everyone for the responses. I think some of it I had anticipated as a potential concern (e.g. rust on the undercarriage) but others such as the engine check somehow hadn't crossed my mind. Really appreciate the deep dive you've all given. My broad takeaway is that it's likely 'worth it' if it comes in around the guide price but has some risk attached to it if I buy it unseen, which is probably what I need to do some risk management on.

My understanding is that the auction houses are usually biased towards the seller rather than the buyer so tend to play up their catalogue descriptions and keep the photos as complimentary as possible. I imagine I'm quite exposed if I don't get the chance to view it in person.

Maybe one of our members in the UK can recommend a person or company to do an inspection for you.

This is an angle I hadn't considered at all. I'm happy to cover all expenses if someone here is within the vicinity and would be willing to make the trip. Or if anyone knows someone with enough knowledge and would be willing to do so - could be nice day out with some beer money