considering a 280SL Automatic to buy

[Pinder]

Hi everyone

 Ive come to that point where I am looking for a second 280SL to work on. I currently have a 1970 manual. But , as my left knee is not exactly up to original specs, as light as the hydaulic clutch is it still hurts some what; I am looking for an automatic.  It does not have to be perfect or restored because I enjoy working on them so an un-molested example would be best. Im looking for one that is either running or not but has good bones (not a rust bucket, as I dont have good welding skills nor a good welder).

from the one I have and the one I sold, I feel fairly condfident that I can bring another back to life. I enjoy the process but I also need a daily second car for errands around town. Im not able to use my current manual 280L for this anymore without poping some pain killers. Auto is important.

Best Regards

Pinder

[johnk]

Why not go in for the knee surgery as needed? I was concerned about shifting for the same issue. Had partial knee replacements and now I am even running with no problems.

[JamesL]

And probably cheaper!

[mdsalemi]

And probably cheaper!

Not in the USA!

[Pinder]

Some how id like to keep my knees as long as I can; original only once. having an excuse to get another fun project is a lot more appealing.

[Mike Hughes]

Some how id like to keep my knees as long as I can; original only once.

I was of the same mind and tolerated the pain and increasingly limited mobility far too long.  I could hardly do more than walk and getting in and out of any car was a chore - driving a manual was downright uncomfortable.  Two partials in six weeks and good physical therapy after each procedure have given me back my quality of life.  If I have had any second thoughts, they are, "Why didn't I do this sooner?"

[JamesL]

Appreciate that cost is a consideration not quite such an issue in the UK but...
 
I have a friend in her early 60s who had a new knee in November 2022. It was a 3d printed job to replicate the old one so apparently less trauma. I did the RideLondon 100 (miles/cycling) with her exactly 6 months later (May 2023), and her Strava stats for 2023 were run 225km, ride 7250km and 500km walking.

So she's getting good value from her new knee and has no pain

[johnk]

I’m 67 but enjoy my job with no plans on retiring. I looked old limping around every time I got up until the soreness went away. I look and feel so much younger at work now as employees see me going running after work rather than limping around during the day. Shifting my pagoda is a breeze.

If I was as smart as Pinder though I would have used my knees to convince my wife I needed a second pagoda before my surgery.

[Pinder]

Shes not convinced... yet

[Bshaunessy]

Pinder
  Sorry to hear about the knee issue.   Recently had two new hips installed and have my life back.   I’ll join the choir and recommend you get a new knee vs a different PAGODA.
   However……..I have a 1970 280 SL, auto, air, ivory over ( new) black MB TEX interior, 95,000 miles, very well sorted and one of my ( summer ) daily drivers.  95,000 miles, I’m the 4th owner, originally delivered to California I think.   I acquired from Vancouver BC, Canada 3 years ago. My work: brakes, exhaust, 123 electronic ignition, sorted out cold start, TTS etc.   Needs nothing so maybe not enough of a challenge for you?
   I’m looking to acquire a 280 SL manual.
    A TRADE PERHAPS?

[Pinder]

Your 1970 sounds too nice for what Im looking for. Its interesting that it is also Ivory.