Hi All,
I finally convinced my dad to let me get my hands on the 1969 280SL that's been under cover in his climate-controlled garage for the last 37 Years. It was last registered and driven in 1986 and has since been buried beneath kayaks and empty boxes. The trunk lid, protected by a car cover and some foam was used to display the plans for the airplane he's been building (an RV-9). The partially assembled wings sit in custom made assembly jigs behind the car, partially obstructing access and making pulling it out a significant logistical challenge.
I have uncovered the car enough to have gathered the VIN (113.044-10-009817), so it's a left-hand drive manual built in April of 1969. Option codes show it as a US model (491), with a left side mirror (503), and was originally delivered with the Becker Grand Prix radio (519), which is missing. It was delivered with Dark Maroon paint on the body and hard-top (460G) with the hard top installed and the soft top folded (6). I am thankful for the detailed info on the data cards and codes on this forum.
I've done some digging around to try and ascertain the condition. There's no obvious rust on the outside of the card, but the chrome has some pitting, and the paint is certainly dirty with some scratches in a number of places. In the trunk wells I see very minor surface rust; I have read is a common location to look along with under the carpeted storage area covers behind the seats. I haven't been able to check running boards or floor pans and haven't really explored under the car yet as it's just too difficult to do in it's current location. It appears that the car has had some major work in the past as both front quarter panels seem to have been replaced (based on not seeing the typical spot welds). Drivers side rear quarter panel also seem to have been replaced and there's some deformation of the wheel well surround as visible inside the trunk. Still has original toolkit, jack, spare tire and all. I have found service records up through my dad's purchase of the car. He only drove it on weekends locally for a few years before parking it for that last time in 1986 so he put very little mileage on the car. but it's not clear to me what the actual mileage is because my dad told me the odometer was broken. The last registration showed something like 75K miles.
I am really enjoying digging through the information on the forum and trying to decide on my next steps. I'll be looking for help and guidance along the way as I have never tried to breathe new life into a car like this, but I am looking forward to learning from all those that have put in the elbow grease and energy to restore a W113.
