Modified 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 'Strawberry' Showcases Classic-Meets-Modern Automotive Evolution
A uniquely modified 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL featuring a five-speed manual transmission and custom burgundy paint demonstrates how classic car preservation is evolving to incorporate modern driving dynamics while maintaining historical significance.
The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently displaying a significantly modified 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL that represents a growing trend in classic car preservation—blending original design with modern performance enhancements. This particular vehicle, part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection, has undergone over $70,000 in restoration work and features a performance-focused five-speed manual transmission, transforming the traditional luxury roadster into what enthusiasts describe as the ultimate driver's car.
Originally finished in Silver Metallic with an Anthracite Grey hardtop, this U.S.-market example now sports a rich metallic burgundy repaint nicknamed "Strawberry" for its distinctive appearance. The color transformation, combined with the timeless W113 "Pagoda" design, makes this 280SL stand out among factory-correct examples while preserving the vehicle's essential character. The modification demonstrates how collectors are increasingly prioritizing driving experience alongside preservation, a shift that could influence future classic car valuations and restoration standards.
Under the hood, the 2.8-liter M130 inline-six engine was completely resealed during the multi-year refurbishment, ensuring reliable performance while maintaining the original powerplant. The most significant modification—the Tremec five-speed manual transmission sourced from specialists at Bud's Benz—replaces the original automatic transmission, providing enhanced driver engagement and precision. This transmission upgrade represents a broader movement in the collector car market where modern drivability enhancements are becoming increasingly accepted and valued.
Additional mechanical improvements include a fully refreshed braking system with new rotors, pads, and lines installed in 2020, along with VDO instrumentation set into a body-colored dash fascia and a period-correct Becker Europa stereo. The five-digit odometer currently shows 87,000 miles, while disc brakes at all four corners and a 7,000-rpm tachometer complete the performance-oriented modifications. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's dual appeal, noting that "this 280SL captures the best of both worlds—classic Mercedes design and modern drivability."
The museum's display of this modified classic at their North Fort Worth location signals an important shift in how institutions are presenting automotive history. Rather than focusing exclusively on factory-original examples, museums are increasingly showcasing vehicles that represent evolving collector preferences and technological integration. The DFW Car & Toy Museum, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, provides free admission and parking in its 150,000-square-foot facility, with operating hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors can view this unique Mercedes-Benz alongside other automotive treasures, with additional information available at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.