New member, and new owner! 1971 280 SL, Metallic Red (571)

[Rahul]

Hi, great to have found this group - I bought a 1971 metallic red (571) 280SL this week, a car I have been eyeing for years since my father sold his 280 some 20 years ago!

I have got a TON of questions from a first-time owner, and am already amazed at the wealth of knowledge in these forums... will take me a while to pore through it all!

Here are some pictures of the car. I'll confess this was not my first choice colour (was looking for a navy blue, silver, anthracite metallic or moss green metallic car)... but this red really needs to be seen in person to appreciate fully. Am in love with it, it looks so special in the sunlight.

Looking forward to this adventure.

[scoot]

Nice!  Post your questions!

[Rothko]

Congratulations!   You are going to love owning the car.  Driving it around will always get you thumbs ups from other drivers and cyclists!

[Jonny B]

Very nice! Welcome to the group. I think the 571 red is just a wonderful color for these cars. The folks here are at the ready for questions.

See PM from me on a separate but related topic.

[waltklatt]

Hello Rajiggyfizzle,
Very nice car you have there.
From Virginia, Right?
Go over the whole car and play with all the things you see.
You will learn the small intricacies of the car and appreciate the fine German engineering.
If possible, get the entire glove box set of books and papers.  Go over the owners manual and see how things operate.
Simple maintenance chores are explained there, such as changing the bulbs, checking the fluids, etc.
Go and have fun cruising around in it.

Walter
1967 230SL diesel

[Rahul]

Hey Walter, thanks for the reply,

It was originally sold out of the Hollywood dealership but spent many years in Virgina and New Mexico. How did you recognise/know it?

Have spent time reading the documentation and going through these forums. There are going to be a lot of things I'd like to fix/replace and quite looking forward to that part of the experience!

Car feels so good to drive, loving it.

[StevenF]

ask away!
I too have a 71 571!
Welcome to the group!
Regards
Steven

[RobSirg]

I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of Red on German cars period and prefer the colours you mentioned as your first choice for Pagoda's, however,....

Metallic Red 571 really pops and I love it!

You are right - the photo's do not do it justice. You need to see it in person.

Congratulations.

Rob

[waltklatt]

Hello Rajiggyfizzle,
I see the Va inspection sticker in the center bottom of the windshield.
No longer in that position, now lower left corner with a smaller sticker.
Ask any question, have worked these since 12yrs old.
Enjoy,
Walter

[Rahul]

Well, discovered one of the first 'joys' of classic car ownership... somewhat crazy service quotes!

Took my car in for a service inspection, was quoted ~$20k of 'essential work' - oh boy... A lot of it seems obviously ridiculous.

They are recommending to replace the following, due to some (to my eye, minor...) play in the wheels:
- replace kingpins / rebuild knuckle
- replace front and rear shocks
- replace all bushings front and rear

Car feels great steering and suspension wise... but I don't have the reference point of a car that is fully dialled-in!

I will have to take a bit of time to go through the line items, and post for advice on the separate message boards in the forum.

[JamesL]

Find a new garage

[MikeSimon]

I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of Red on German cars period  ..

Rob

So, you wouldn't like this one....?

[Mike Hughes]

I see the Va inspection sticker in the center bottom of the windshield.
No longer in that position, now lower left corner with a smaller sticker.

. . . and the adjacent 2016-2017 City of Alexandria vehicle tax sticker.
Many jurisdictions in VA started eliminating the tax stickers beginning in 2007.  Arlington and the City of Alexandria filannl did so with the switch to the smaller corner mounted state inspection sticker.

[goda77]

I hear you! My first choice was either black or anthracite, but then when I came across the Light Beige (yes thats the actual name lol, I fell in love)

The red is absolutely stunning! I can only imagine how beautiful it is in person

[Logix66]

Very nice !! I hope mine shines like that some day.

[Rahul]

Thanks everyone who has commented so far.

It is insane how there is so much info buried in this website. has certainly kept me busy!

I found another garage in SoCal who so far have been great to work with. Car is having a few mechanical items sorted (new exhaust, few driver door issues). Glad to say overall the car looks pretty clean, no rust!

Next step will be to get quotes for an interior refresh, and to figure out a timeframe to coordinate work.

Naturally my impatient side just wants to address every single little issue immediately! Must learn to not get lost in all that and to enjoy the car...