but... Check out the... modified ...one in Arundel Me: http://www.oursl.com/listings.php?op=showads&modelid=7 .
I have a 71 original with 69000 miles bought new. Things that I notice most about driving my pagoda: It takes a little getting use to the large steering wheel after driving more modern cars, the high compression engine has to be detuned to take 2009 gasoline (the manual calls for 104 octane gas) and the 4 speed automatic trans leaves it wanting for a 5th gear at speed. But after all these years it is still a beautiful classic. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I had the same 1970 model in RHD. Re-painted from Champagne Gold, a very popular color in the late 60's here to the dark blue per your photo. Had the red leather interior and a Mark IV a/c unit. Sold it later to an accoutant who took it to Aussieland. Yes, the white bakelite wheel was big and the gear box did a reverse with P at the bottom and the hardtop was so heavy that I needed 2 person to safely lift it up and store such. This was one of the three vehicles that I should have kept in my years of ownership. The other car was a '73 BMW 3.0 CSi which i sold the 280 SL for. Now I have a '91 NSX. I hope eventually I will buy back a SL from the UK as we are RHD. One of the best built and most fun to drive car in my opinion. I have driven quite a few in my days.
I believe the roll bar is in the roof. I have not put the top on my car in at least 20 years. It is at least 2x heavier then my mid 90s SL's roof. With both cars, putting the roof on without a hoist is a pain. 2 guys need to straddle the car to set the roof exactly in place. It is a lot easier not to put the roof on at least in the 280. (summer only car) also,the car is underpowered with modern 93 octane gas.
My experience with these cars is that they are more desirable from "afar". I've found them underpowered with handling characteristics akin to a duck boat.
