DFW Car & Toy Museum Showcases Restored 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL with Modern Performance Upgrades

The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently featuring a distinctive 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL that represents a thoughtful fusion of classic automotive design and modern performance enhancements. This particular vehicle, part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection, has undergone extensive restoration work exceeding $70,000, with the most significant modification being the installation of a performance-focused five-speed manual transmission.

Originally finished in Silver Metallic with an Anthracite Grey hardtop, this U.S.-market Mercedes-Benz now sports a rich metallic burgundy repaint that has earned it the affectionate nickname "Strawberry" due to its deep, distinctive appearance. The color transformation, combined with the timeless W113 "Pagoda" design, makes this 280SL stand out among even the most pristine factory-correct examples of the classic roadster.

Mechanically, the car retains its original 2.8-liter M130 inline-six engine, which was completely resealed during the multi-year refurbishment process to ensure smooth and reliable performance. The transmission upgrade represents the car's most significant transformation, featuring a Tremec five-speed manual transmission sourced from the specialists at Bud's Benz, providing enhanced driving engagement and precision for this luxury roadster.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's dual appeal, stating, "This 280SL captures the best of both worlds—classic Mercedes design and modern drivability. It's a car you admire standing still and absolutely love behind the wheel." The vehicle's current display at the museum allows visitors to appreciate this unique approach to classic car preservation and enhancement.

Additional mechanical improvements include a fully refreshed braking system with new rotors, pads, and lines installed in 2020, VDO instrumentation set into a body-colored dash fascia, and a period-correct Becker Europa stereo in the center console. The five-digit odometer currently shows 87,000 miles, documenting the vehicle's history while its mechanical updates ensure continued reliability.

With disc brakes at all four corners, a rev-happy 7,000-rpm tachometer, and the rare combination of a manual gearbox in a car traditionally equipped with automatic transmissions, this modified 280SL represents both a collector's piece and a driver's delight. The vehicle's presence at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, which visitors can learn more about at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com, demonstrates how thoughtful modifications can enhance rather than detract from classic automotive heritage while improving the driving experience for modern enthusiasts.