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HomeCar CultureMy Classic CarMy Classic Car: Peter’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

My Classic Car: Peter’s 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

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Would you rather have a '69 280SL or a new computer? | Peter Krahn photo
Would you rather have a ’69 280SL or a new computer? | Peter Krahn photo

Forty years ago, I started looking for my dream car — a 1955 to 1963 Mercedes-Benz 300SL — either a gullwing coupe or roadster, both now among the most sought-after German classics and far beyond the reach of the average classic car aficionado.

In November, 1983 I finally spotted a 1957 300SL that looked affordable at a price of $38,000. It appeared again the next spring, although now for an asking price of $42000.

Long story short, the seller backed out and I was left to look for an alternate.

In 2000 I found a 1969 Mercedes 280SL (Pagoda Euro model) in Denver, Colorado. The lady owner, Connie, had driven it for 30 years and decided to sell it and buy a new computer. She was willing to reduce her asking price of $12,000 to $10,500.

I did complete restoration, changing only the paint color to Magnetite Blue from the original Forest Green which, in my opinion, did not do justice to a classic Mercedes.

I am delighted with the outcome. The Mercedes is a work of love and is an absolute delight to drive with the Pagota top off on warm summer days and evenings. My only regret is not taking enough time to drive this beauty. Sadly it has less than 8,000 miles since restoration 12 years ago.

Lastly, it is comforting that Connie’s computer is probably worthless by now and rusting somewhere in a scrapyard or landfill.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. “Lastly, it is comforting that Connie’s computer is probably worthless by now and rusting somewhere in a scrapyard or landfill.” Now why are you comforted by her loss rather than just being happy for your own gain?

  2. ….hey Lincoln, I think you miss-read the commentary. Try reading it again only this time take off the negative glasses. The man is simply stating that his is happy that his car didn’t devalue like the computer obviously has. I think most readers got the positive view rather than the negative one.

  3. I enjoyed the article until the that last line comment especially when the nice seller lowered the
    asking price for Mr Magnetite Blue.If a comment can be interrupted more than one way,
    best not to write it.

  4. Lincoln:
    I am pleased Connie got her new computer because:
    1. She had no interest in the car – either to restore it or to drive it any longer. All it was to her was an old car that her father had given to her as transportation to college when she was taking her Fine Arts degree in 1970.
    2. I am happy because she got what she wanted and
    3. I am happy because I was able to rescue a classic and restore it to its original glory.
    4. Everybody wins – the computer is RIP and the Mercedes has a new lease on life!

Comments are closed.

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