For Sale: A Collector’s Holy Grail – 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘California Coupé’ RHD

We are privileged to offer what is undoubtedly one of the most significant and rare Mercedes-Benz W113 ‘Pagodas’ in existence: a factory-built, right-hand drive 1968 280 SL California Coupé. This vehicle’s unique combination of factory specifications makes it a potential one-of-a-handful survivor, representing an unmissable opportunity for the discerning collector.

The “California Coupé” (option code 417) was a special factory variant that deleted the soft-top and its housing, replacing it with a practical rear bench seat, creating a true 2+2 grand tourer. While scarce in any form, a factory-produced Right-Hand Drive 280 SL California is the pinnacle of W113 rarity.

Key Highlights

• Marque Rarity: A genuine factory “California Coupé” with rear bench seat.

• Ultimate Specification: One of very few factory-built Right-Hand Drive examples.

• Provenance: Matching numbers vehicle confirmed by official Mercedes-Benz Zertifikat.

• Originality: Presented in its factory specification of Signal Red over Vellum MB-Tex.

• Documented History: Comprehensive file from new, detailing its life in Malta, Jersey, and the UK.

• Major Restoration: Over €76,700 spent on a multi-year, specialist body and engine restoration.

• Concours Winner: Awarded at a concours event in Ireland (2010) post-restoration.

Vehicle Provenance & History

• Chassis No: 113 044 22 012 637
• Engine No: 130 983 22 008 042 (Matching)
• Initial Registration: August 1968
• Date of Delivery: 15th September 1969
• Original Destination: Mercedes-Benz Sales Agency, Malta
• Current Registration: RCD 908G
• Current Mileage: 77,091 miles (Warranted)

Original Factory Specification (per Data Card)
• Paintwork: DB 568 – Signal Red
• Upholstery: DB 147 – MB-Tex in Vellum colour
• Option 417: Hardtop mounted with rear seat bench (California Coupé)
• Option 426: Automatic Transmission & Power Steering
• Option 551: Ivory-coloured steering wheel
• Option 461: Instruments with mileage gauges, in English
• Option 598: Heat-absorbing wrap-around glass
Comprehensive Restoration History
This vehicle was the subject of a meticulous, no-expense-spared restoration by renowned specialists.
Body Restoration (Oct 2007 – Oct 2009)
• Specialist: Tommy Heaney Co, Derry, Northern Ireland
• Scope: A complete, bare-metal restoration to concours standards.
• Cost: €67,290

Engine Overhaul (2010 – 2012)

• Specialist: Benjamin Lichtenberg Classics, Dublin
• Scope: Full engine removal and rebuild including reboring, new pistons, reground crankshaft, new bearings, valves, guides, timing chain, and more.
• Cost: €9,413
• Mileage at Rebuild: 73,642 miles
• Mileage Since Rebuild: Approximately 3,450 miles

Documented Service History

The vehicle is accompanied by an exceptional history file, with servicing documented from its first year.
• 1969 – 1971 (Malta): Serviced by Mercedes specialists in Malta, including its first service at just 230 miles.
• 1972 – 1998 (Jersey & UK): Extensive servicing by Jacksons Garage (Jersey) and Majestic Group (Dorset).
• 2009 – 2013 (Post-Restoration): Maintenance by restoration specialists and Mercedes experts in Ireland.

Documentation & Accompanying Items

• Official Mercedes-Benz Zertifikat (Build Certificate) issued in 2007.
• Copy of the original factory Data Card.
• Comprehensive history file containing invoices for all restoration work.
• Extensive photographic record of the restoration process.
• Official correspondence from Mercedes-Benz Motor Distributors Ltd. confirming its 1968 registration date.
• Original toolkit.

Current Condition

Following its exhaustive restoration, the car has seen minimal use and has been preserved in careful storage. The cosmetic condition remains exceptional, with deep, lustrous paintwork, excellent chrome, and a beautifully presented interior. As it has been in storage, a degree of light recommissioning should be expected before regular road use, a factor that has been considered in the asking price.

Investment Rarity

This is not merely another Pagoda; it is a piece of Mercedes-Benz history. The combination of its ultra-rare factory specification (RHD California Coupé), matching-numbers provenance, stunning original colour scheme, and comprehensively documented restoration makes it genuinely irreplaceable. For the serious collector, this vehicle offers a blue-chip investment opportunity that is unlikely to be repeated.