To view place cursor over picture. Click to enlarge BACK TO MAIN MENU

Mercedes 1970 280SE 3.5 Convertible This is one of just 68 right hand drive examples ever built and it was supplied when new to the extremely successful racing driver and acknowledged Mercedes enthusiast Roy Salvadori. Several years ago the car was purchased by a very discriminating collector who had always had a wish to own a very good example of this model. He at the time was unable to find a car that had been restored to his standards and so the only remaining option was to find a good original complete car as the basis for a restoration programme. Following inspection this car proved to be by far the best available, with very little corrosion, a good drivetrain and very good leather interior. The car was sent first to Roger Edwards Motors, the recognised Mercedes engineers, who carried out a mechanical inspection. All faults were addressed and the engine was removed, ancillaries refurbished as necessary and the entire underbonnet area was refinished before the engine was reinstalled. At this time all hoses and rubbers were also replaced. Following this the car was sent to Charlbury Garage where the entire body was stripped in order that it could be repainted in the original colour, Brilliant Silver. All of the chromework was sent for replating and all new rubber seals were used when the car was put back together. Kevin O’Keefe, celebrated Mercedes trimmer, was then enlisted to replace all of the carpets and the hood with the correct original Mercedes type materials. Clanfiled Restorations at this time refinished all of the dashboard wood trim and refinished the original leather seats. The original leather was in very good patinated condition. Finally, following a shakedown drive of a couple of hundred miles the car was returned to Roger Edwards for fine tuning, at this time a newly refurbished Becker Grand Prix was fitted with hidden JBL speakers and a new Hirschmann aerial. Following completion the car has been driven sparingly during the past summer, only ever on dry roads. It remains in superb condition throughout as one would expect and is only now available following the emigration of the last owner.