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FAQ: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL - The Car That Started Ron Sturgeon's Collection
TL;DR
Collectors can gain prestige by acquiring and restoring damaged classics like Ron Sturgeon's 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, which became the foundation of his world-class collection.
Ron Sturgeon restored the fire-damaged 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL by replacing the taillight, rear bumper, and performing expert paint and bodywork while maintaining factory-correct specifications.
This restored 280SL represents how passion and preservation can transform damaged items into cultural treasures that inspire future generations of automotive enthusiasts.
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL features a robust 2.8-liter inline-six with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, representing the last of the classic SL series with timeless drivability.
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This 280SL is known as 'the car that started it all' because it was the first collectible vehicle Ron Sturgeon purchased over 35 years ago, marking the beginning of his journey as a car collector and the foundation of what would become a world-class collection.
The car had suffered minor fire damage near the right rear quarter, reportedly caused by a smoker while fueling, and Ron purchased it from the insurance company before performing a meticulous restoration.
Ron replaced only the taillight, rear bumper, and performed expert paint and bodywork to bring the car back to life, resulting in a stunning example of the 'Pagoda' SL that blends resilience with elegance.
The car features a factory-correct red finish, a robust 2.8-liter inline-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, and is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, offering a smooth and capable ride.
Ron states that this Mercedes isn't just a beautiful car—it's personal because it was his first collectible purchase and he's driven it more than any other vehicle, reminding him why he fell in love with cars in the first place.
The museum is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137 (at Meacham and I35w) and is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with free parking and admission.
Often considered the last of the 'classic' SLs, the W113 280SL holds a special place in automotive history for its combination of advanced engineering, refined styling, and timeless drivability.
The museum offers secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events including car clubs and board meetings, and is dog-friendly while encouraging photography.
Visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com for detailed information about the collection, hours, and visiting details.
Ron Sturgeon has been a dedicated car collector for over 30 years, beginning with teaching himself to repair Volkswagens as a teenager, eventually building one of the largest auto salvage operations in the country before restoring and collecting classic and exotic cars.
Curated from 24-7 Press Release
