Author Archive: Brian Peters

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5-Speed 280SL

A Challenging Project

A painted body shell arrived with parts in boxes having bounced between various shops in aborted attempts. Our initial research and ‘discovery’ period revealed that many of the important major components had been swapped or were missing. Significant original items now gone were the ZF 5-speed transmission, the holy grail option on W113 cars; the soft top frame and the limited slip differential. Our task was to bring this rare car back to mostly factory standards, additionally adding a few modern and practical mods to the owner’s preference.

Video Narrative

Arrival in boxes

’71 Mercedes 280SL, preservation-type car, 42k miles

Silver/Black leather, auto, a/c, both tops
A mostly original, highly authentic 1971 280SL

This car is featured in 5 videos on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJhIaxkiGoI-5eEA7h-rQ/ 

Click here for a nine-minute showroom walkaround and functionality test.

If you had purchased a W113 Pagoda in 1971 and serviced it regularly, while allowing it to age gracefully for decades, this would be that car. This is a classic example of a late series, preservation award-level 280SL that was “loaded” with all the creature comforts of that time. Options like a 4-speed automatic, air conditioning, Becker Europa stereo radio with electric Hirschmann aerial, leather seats, and removable hardtop were the state of luxury for a German two-seater in 1971. This was how 280SLs looked as they neared the end of their production, complete with polymer coolant expansion tank and heated rear window in the hardtop.

Until just four years ago, this was a one-owner Pagoda. Records confirm that despite the fact [...]

Building a world-class W113; a full restoration.

Video narrative of the restoration

A brief film on the work process that went on during the restoration with guided narrative. This restoration was done without regard to costs and had no cut corners in the process. More complete imagery narrative can be found below the video should you choose to dive deeper.

Beginning The Process

The always humbling process of stripping paint was the first task. This customer preferred his dream car to be Mercedes Benz 180 [...]
This photo is 3735x2450pix & approx 1.3MB

Restored in our shop without regard to cost – 1000 break-in miles only.
View this car’s comprehensive restoration process here.

J. David Dominelli Collection 280SL

Discovered: W113 280SL hidden away for 4 Decades

Recently we had the opportunity of acquiring a Mercedes W113 280SL which came with more lore than expected. We found it hidden away in a Southern California garage for a time span of 4 decades. We have compiled a video on the discovery and delivery of this fifty-three-year-old Pagoda to our shop in a video, the link to which is included. This collector-car icon, part of infamous Ponzi schemer, J. David Dominelli’s car collection, with its connection to the rich and famous will not likely be forgotten again.

VIDEOS:
Timelapse cleaning after 40 years of storage
As discovered

This vintage racing 100-6 (modified) is now live on Bring A Trailer (BaT). Ends Saturday the 9th at 11:00a.m. Pacific time.

Austin-Healey live on Bringatrailer! Here is a quick video on the discovery and walkaround of the Austin-Healey 100-6: As well as a conversation detailing the car’s history with the owner/driver of 50 years:

A YouTube like will take place on Thursday at 1pm Pacific time to do a live walkaround as well as answer any questions in real time you might have or that may be raised when viewing the vehicle! You can subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJhIaxkiGoI-5eEA7h-rQ

V8-Powered Austin-Healey 100-6 Race Car

Barn-Find project race car

Modified 1958 Big Healey

SOLD

View the Discovery Video

Interview with the long-time owner/driver is located under ‘videos’

Mercedes 190SL 1960

Long term original owner history
~ SOLD ~ Thanks Atomotive!

 

 

 

 

 

    

190SL engine bay image from left rear

    

Mercedes W121 190SL center section of floor boards

    

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