1970 280sl restoration project

[edwardburak@erols.com]

I am restoring my 1970 280sl US version

its original paint color is a dark blue.

is there a paint color that is the most valuable?

or would repainting it in its original color be the most valuable?
thanks

[Benz Dr.]

I kind of go by:

1) rare original color
2) original color
3) a color you like

Remember that there are a lot of small places that some paint is applied where that would still need to be covered. Changing color is more work than one might think or believe.

[lreppond]

Original color is always the most desirable!   It’s the car’s DNA. 

But color likes and dislikes are fashion.  Right now olive green cars are very hot.  A year or two from now, maybe something else.  For me, it’s the combination.  Dark exteriors with light interiors or vice versa are visually exciting while matching interiors are more sedate but elegant.   

Personally a cream car with a turquoise interior is the most eye catching Pagoda I’ve ever seen!   It’s a rare combination and one in pristine condition would be very desirable.  The only color pagoda I’ve never seen in person is a copper metallic one.  I think that may be the rarest color?

[MikeSimon]

Because of the fact that the instrument panel is in body color and the soft-top lid is under the hardtop, the W113 is one of the cars where a color change from original is very difficult to do right.
I would stick with original color or something close to it from the MB color palette.

[edwardburak@erols.com]

thanks guys

[Alex D]

Hi lreppond,

You have very good taste in color combinations. Is this the cream & turquoise eye catching combination your mentioning?

Family owned since new (father in law -> son in law) 

[lreppond]

That is exactly it!   
What color is the hardtop….horizon blue?   

[Bonnyboy]

I agree with past posts but if the change to white has been done properly, then I would keep the white because with that blue interior the car looks amazing. 

[Alex D]

Yes, hardtop is light blue. 

[Shvegel]

Alex,
Your car always screams, "Miami Beach" to me.

[SLMan]

Eggshell with Cognac stands out too

[lreppond]

I totally agree.  Ivory with cognac is a classic, traditional combination of light paint with a contrasting interior.  (The ivory steering wheel and shifter knob compliment the paint and upholstery beautifully.)

It would be interesting to determine what colors combinations were most popular, or rather most commonly used and which were not.   I’m sure data exist but I’m unaware if it’s ever been published. Certainly between 1963 and 1971 tastes were changing.  Silver, white, ivory and signal red seem to be the most abundant for the model.   In terms of interiors, I think black and cognac were very popular.