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1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible “Pagoda”

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280SL less than a year after the 250SL arrived on the scene and closed out the “pagoda” SL line in 1971. The 280 was very similar to its predecessor, using clean, elegant lines, intelligent placement of the wheels in proportion to the rest of the design, and a tall, “pagoda” removable hard top that allowed for ease of ingress and egress.
Like the other W113 cars, the 280 utilized a monocoque chassis, with front suspension courtesy of coils and wishbones, while the rear incorporated a single-pivot swing axle and transverse springs set up to compensate for camber. Four-wheel discs provided braking power.
The engine was a 2.8-liter, overhead-cam, inline-6. Bosch fuel injection was incorporated as well, and horsepower on the sport tourer was rated at 180 – a fair bit more than the 230 and 250 had access to. Torque was also higher at 177 ft-lb. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, though a new 4-speed automatic transmission was optional, cabin refinement was high, with acres of leather, plush, supportive seats, big, readable gauges, Blaupunkt radios, and a quality of craftsmanship throughout, including the soft top, which disappeared easily and unobtrusively when not in use. New safety features include an energy-absorbing steering column and three-point seatbelts, while side marker lights are the biggest external visual difference between the 250 and 280.
By the time the 280SL gave way to the next generation SL, designated the R107, it had firmly established itself as one of the finest cars to come from the Stuttgart firm. With timeless, graceful styling, spirited performance and handling, and build quality and reliability second to none, the SL series of cars built from 1963 to 1971 are solid collectibles with plenty to offer.
This exceptional 2-owner Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible was built on August 21 of 1969. It is finished in the desirable Mercedes-Benz color combination of Anthracite Grey Metallic with Black leather interior. It has a black German Canvas top with the matching Anthracite Grey Metallic Hardtop (the original hardtop to this car 4663) which is also in exceptional condition. The “Pagoda” SL presented is a matching numbers example as per the Mercedes-Benz Data Card with extensive history going back to the late 1970s. The previous owner we purchased this car from was the owner for the past 10 years. He purchased this Mercedes 280SL from the ownership which spanned 45 years.  The invoices included go back to 1980 on this special car with extensive work completed. Some of the more recent work includes but not limited to Dry Ice Cleaning of the underside and wheel wells, new Coker white line tires, front, rear bumpers and overriders replated and new rear center mount. In addition, the previous owner had the seat covers installed, door panels, carpeting and a new complete wood trim set kit installed.
This SL runs and drives perfectly.  The automatic transmission goes into to gear nicely without any jolts or noises. Furthermore, the gear shifting and downshifting itself with the automatic transmission when driving at speed is smooth. The brakes stop great and there is pull in either direction. Also, the acceleration is so incredibly smooth, and the car has plenty of power to keep up with modern traffic. This Mercedes handles superbly and is just a wonderful overall car to drive anywhere and at any speed. The compression across all 6 cylinders is excellent of 165psi to 175psi. It holds low engine temperature and the oil pressure is perfect as well. The air conditioning blows very cold as can be seen by the temperature gauge in the gallery pictures. The power steeering feels great and without any noises or leaks.  Everything in the car works as it should.
There is no rust on the car. We had the car dry ice cleaned on the underside and wheel wells which took off the aftermarket black undercoating to show the original Wurth undercoating. The original undercoating is in excellent overall condition free of any patches, accident repair, poor welds or rust. Furthermore, the original factory markings are still present on all the suspension, trailing arms, springs etc. These are all very difficult to find as most of these cars have patch panels, undercoating to hide rust or poor repairs and replacement pieces from accidents. Also, the trunk which is a common area for rust is clean, solid and original. Nevertheless, this Mercedes-Benz 280SL has the original fender notches near the headlamps and spot welds on both sides of the engine compartment.
This is a special overall car and one of the nicer Mercedes 280SL cars offered today. It has extensive history and has been extremely well maintained for all its life. Lastly it is an incredibly great driving car and in arguably finished in the most desirable color offered by Mercedes-Benz on the 113 or 280SL cars. These are wonderful investment cars which have been underappreciated and undervalued for years.

 

1973 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super Berlina

We are so excited to offer this rare 1973 Alfa Romeo Giulia 1300 Super Berlina. The classic Alfa Romeo presented here is finished in the original Glasurit Italiana Colore of Rosso Amaranto (509) with Tan interior.   This wonderful Alfa spent most of its life in Southern Italy until not too long ago a collector in the New England area brought it into the United States. This Giulia is rust free and exceptional mechanically. We purchased this car from a local collector who owned this car for a few years. The car had invested close to $20,000 in mechanical and cosmetic upgrades since 2023.  These included but were not limited to an original motor rebuild, Weber carburetors rebuilt, new wheels, new tires, new heater motor, bumper removed, new carpeting, new gear reduction, starter, new speedometer drive installed, radiator fan shroud repaired, headliner repaired, new headlamps, sound deadening installed, valve covers polished, new gaskets installed, throttle linkage adjusted, complete paint correction/buff and detail of the entire car.

On the road is where this stunning Alfa Romeo also shines. It is very tight to drive and handles perfectly. There is no lack of power, and the engine has excellent compression of close to 200psi on every cylinder and as to be expected on a recent engine was rebuilt. There is roughly about 1,400km since the engine was rebuilt. She holds the engine temperature just fine and the oil pressure is great as well. The 5-speed tranmission is silky smooth  and free of any noises while shifting. Futhermore, the clutch feels great as well with no slippage or shutter. Where most sedans of the early 1970s were moving towards larger and heavier cars, this Alfa Romeo’s Road manners are more like a 4-door sports car rather than a traditional sedan of the era. Overall this is an exceptional car and perfect for a collector or buyer who would like to have the room for the family to participate in the various Classic Car events without having to compromise the Sports Car feel.

NEW ARRIVAL: 1970 Jaguar E-type Series 2 Fixed Head Coupe with 26,035 original miles.

We are proud to offer this exceptionally preserved 1970 Jaguar E-type Series 2 Fixed Head Coupe with only 26,035 miles since new. This car has only traveled 26,035 miles since new 55 years ago or on average about 473 miles a year. It had three owners since new and was recently serviced and gone through to make it a wonderful driver as well. More information coming soon or please inquire. We expect this Jaguar E-type to be ready by early June 2025.

1966 Jaguar E-type Series 1 Roadster 5-speed with Air Conditioning

We are thrilled to offer another exceptional Jaguar E-type for sale. This 1966 Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 Roadster was built on December 20th of 1965 and was originally dispatched on January 19th of 1966. This wonderful Jaguar XKE was previously fully restored and finished in the stunning color combination of Primrose with Biscuit interior. The tan canvas convertible top and boot cover go nicely with the interior and beautiful Primrose Paint. The Jaguar presented here does have the original engine (matching cylinder head and engine block) as per the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate and has close to $30,000.00 in driving upgrades. In other words, if you purchased a Jaguar E-type Series 1, 1.5 or 2 Roadster or Fixed Coupe, it would cost another $30,000 plus to replicate these upgrades. It would also cost substantially more than this to replicate with an original rebuilt engine as sound and tight as this one. This is the BEST driving Jaguar E-type on the market today. I have bought and sold close to 300 of these cars and know how they are supposed to drive. If you do not like driving cars and don’t like reliability, this Jaguar E-type is not for you. The driving upgrades and engine make this car highlighted by a new 5-speed Tremec gearbox with an aluminum fly wheel. The 5-speed transmission shifts silky smooth and at 80 mph the RPMs are around 2,500. In addition, an aluminum radiator has been installed with an electric fan to keep the temperature cool in any climate. Furthermore, a Retro Air Conditioning system has been installed which keeps the cabin cool and far superior to any factory Jaguar E-type AC system. It blows very cold. A more efficient alternator along with the new Air Conditioning compressor was installed along with all new AC components and hoses. A smaller 15” diameter original style steering wheel was also installed to which gives more legroom and has a better feel than the slim and brittle 16” steering wheel. We also installed a new retro radio with Bluetooth connectivity and a built-in microphone for hands free mobile phone communication. A full stainless-steel exhaust was installed as well with new porcelain exhaust manifolds. A gear reduction starter has been installed along with electronic ignition, so starting this Jaguar is easy and she fires without any issues.  The brake system has been upgraded with ceramic brake pads and the brakes have been completely gone through. All the wiring has been gone through and upgraded interior LEDS lighting has been installed which make for easier reading of the gauges at night. This also goes along with halogen headlamps which are also an upgrade. This is what the Jaguar E-type should have been when it first came out.
This Jaguar E-type Series 1 Roadster is one of the best driving Jaguar E-types we have ever had, and we have owned a lot of them. The engine is very strong with excellent compression 165psi to 175psi across all 6 cylinders. The oil pressure is also excellent as we installed a “wet gauge” which by passes the temperamental oil sender and gives an exact and accurate reading of the oil pressure. The clutch feels excellent with no slippage and the gearbox is quick to shift between the gears. Overall, the handling of this Jaguar is on point and there is no shake in the steering wheel, pulling upon hard braking or any loose feel whatsoever. This car drives tight and accelerates rapidly with a smile eliciting torque. This is what a Jaguar E-type should be and no they do not all drive like this one does. The Jaguar E-type shown here would do well at car shows and we would call this a show driver car, but where this Jaguar also shines is on the road. If you are looking for a reliable and fun Jaguar E-type Series 1 Roadster to drive just anywhere with a plethora of creature comforts and sensible upgrades, this is your car, and you will be hard pressed to find a better driving road car Jaguar E-type.

At MotorCarTrader.com we take a different approach to buying and selling our classic Jaguar E-types and Classic Sports Cars. As opposed to pushing a large volume through to quickly sell with extensive detailing prep and professional photography, we focus on going through each car mechanically to make them excellent and reliable driving cars. We have bought, sold, consulted and restored over 250 Jaguar E-types, so know them very well, how they are supposed to drive and what models need sensible upgrades to make them great drivers. Our cars are about value, the driving experience and the heavy work is already completed. In addition, we are fully transparent with imperfections or additional needs our cars may have if any.

 

 

1965 Jaguar E-type Series 1 4.2 Roadster

We are ecstatic to offer this stunning 1965 Jaguar E-type Series 1 Roadster. This unique car was owned by the same family for nearly 40 years until we purchased it in the late 2023. It was previously restored and a show winner, but had been sitting for about 4 years years in a dry garage.  We have brought this car back to its former glory with some driving/performance upgrades and gone through the entire car (new brake system, carburetors rebuilt, all gauges working, new suspension, electrical gone through, new fuel tank, etc.) Please inquire for more information and will be ready for delivery by late April 2025.

SOLD: 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster

SOLD.

1971 Porsche 911 S Coupe

This 911S displays the steady improvement that Porsche imparted on its highest-performance sports car in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The wheelbase of the 911 had been extended by some 2.5 inches in 1969, providing better balance and handling and with its engine output now increased to 180 horsepower, thanks to larger valves and better breathing, a larger 225 mm clutch was required. Interior fittings were upgraded as well, with a new steering wheel lock and its instruments now mounted in rubber rings. Externally, new door handles of a safer design replaced the earlier pushbutton type and the cars were delivered with full factory undercoating for the first time.

Stopping power was provided by 11.1-inch ventilated front and 11.4-inch ventilated rear disc brakes, which proved more than enough for a 2,400-pound car. It was also capable of accelerating to 60 mph from a standstill in just over seven seconds and 100 mph in just 20 seconds, as well as reaching a top speed of 144 mph. Few cars of its day were capable of matching its exhilarating performance.

The 911 S offered here is a 1971 model, which means that it is equipped with the aluminum rear deck lid that is unique to this year’s model. It is now and recently finished ( late 2022) in its original and rare color  of Bahia Red/13 with black upholstery, and its desirably optioned with Sport seats and a period-correct Becker Europa II radio.

The car was formerly part of a well-known private East Coast collection and another private collection before changing hands to its current collector in 2019 who performed a mechanical and cosmetic restoration to the car to make this car complete. It is a matching numbers car in excellent overall condition and with the original 5-speed with low original miles of 74,193 miles.  More details on this special Porsche 911 S:

  • Included is the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity for this Porsche 911 S identification number 911130087 confirming this is a 1971 Porsche 911 S with its original engine number 6310082 and in the original color of Bahia Red/13.
  • This comes with all service records over the past 10 plus years, an owner’s manual, a tool kit and a first aid kit.
  • Close to $60,000 had been invested since 2021 in mechanical, paint and bright work. All work is documented.
  • Forge Speed completed a full paint, body and bright work restoration finished at the end of 2022 at a cost of $41,152.
  • About $35,000 had previously been invested prior to 2019 going back to 2013 with all work completed by Porsche specialists. This is all documented as well.

This is an exceptional driving Porsche. It is certainly one of the nicest early 911 cars offered on the market today with its original color and is backed up with an extensive portfolio of recent work (totaling $95,000 since 2013) to make this Porsche 911 S ready to be enjoyed by the next owner.

SOLD: 2012 Jaguar XKR-S Coupe with only 28,105 miles

SOLD:

 

The XK received a facelift in 2009, with minor alterations to front and rear lights and bumper designs, together with the introduction of a new 5.0-litre V8 for both the naturally aspirated XK and the supercharged XKR. The interior also received some changes, in particular the introduction of the XF style rotary gear selector mated to the new ZF automatic transmission. In 2010, Jaguar added the Speed Pack option, with aerodynamic body kit and speed limiter increased to 280 km/h (174 mph), and the Black Pack, with black wheels and trim. The XK received a second and more minor facelift in 2011 with a new front bumper and light design, which was presented at the New York Auto Show

The range was extended in 2011, with the introduction of the new, powerful and rare limited production XKR-S at the Geneva Motor Show, featuring an upgraded XKR engine generating a maximum power output of 550 hp 502 lb/ft. of torque. The XKR-S badge was first used on the 2008 special edition XK. Jaguar claimed that this new version was the fastest production Jaguar ever at the time of its introduction, having a top speed of 186 mph and accelerating from 0 to 60 in 4.0 seconds.

 

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SOLD: 1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera Cabriolet 6-speed with only 50,508 original miles.

SOLD:

We are proud to offer another great sports car for sale. This stunning 1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera Cabriolet is finished in Glacier White with Dark Blue interior. The Porsche 911 presented here is equipped with the desirable 6-speed manual transmission and has traveled only 50,508 original miles in its nearly 30-year life. This Porsche 911 has been well maintained throughout its life and is in excellent condition. Furthermore, this gorgeous example does come with a clean Car Fax since new.

This car has over 20 years of service history including the recent work completed:

  • Oil change
  • Horn repair,
  • Servicing the air conditioning system. (Blows very cold).
  • new front and rear shocks for hood/trunk.
  • The 18” Turbo Twist Wheels dismounted powder coated in their original color. (Completed post PPI).
  • New 225/40/R18 (Front) 265/35/R18 (Rear) Yokohama Adven Sport A/S + Tires installed. (Completed post PPI).
  • Alignment
  • A $1,500 Blue Tooth Stereo System installed in 2015. The original radio goes with the car.
  • A full PPI (Pre-Purchase Inspection) completed by a Porsche Specialist with compression and leaks down tests.
  • Compression results were excellent of 208pis to 210psi across all 6 cylinders.
  • The leak down results were also excellent between 2-8% on all cylinders.
  • The Full PPI is shared in our gallery.

 

This is a wonderful example that has been enjoyed throughout its life and very well maintained. In addition to the nearly 200 pictures posted on our website at MotorCarTrader.com, we also have a walkaround video, a secondary walk around video and a driving video as well. These 993 cars were the last of the air-cooled Porsches and very sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, especially with low miles as this one has.

 

 

 

SOLD: 1967 Austin Healey 3000 Mark III BJ8

SOLD.