Silver Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda convertible in the Farland Classic Restoration studio

190SL and 280SL specialists since 1991

The SL you remember, rebuilt to outlive you.

Frame-up restoration of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL and 280SL Pagoda in Englewood, Colorado. Farland Classic Restoration is a one-stop shop: metal, paint, interior, chrome and mechanical are handled from start to finish, with the great majority of the work done in-house by our own specialists.

Get in touch about your SL
  • 1991Restoring classics since
  • 15Specialists under one roof
  • Best in ShowConcours award winner
  • 50 statesEnclosed transport facilitated

Two classics we know by heart

A Specific Make. A Specific Passion.

The 190SL and the 280SL are challenging. Especially to a shop that doesn't know them well. We have worked on these SLs (and many others) for more than 35 years, so the expertise is right here.

W121 · 1955–1963

Mercedes-Benz 190SL restoration

The 190SL, also known as a W121, is very good at hiding its flaws. Rust, previous repairs and much more can lay undiscovered, and none of it shows in a driveway inspection. Mechanical and interior work require expertise to return the car to factory specifications.

  • Metalwork: Damaged parts repaired or replaced. For a full restoration, we strip the car to bare metal, then our pros get to work.
  • Panel gaps and hood alignment set to factory tolerance before paint
  • Engine, mechanical, suspension, drivetrain and more are analyzed for restoration. Then the needed work is performed.
  • Period-correct leather or MB-Tex, with hardware and gauges refinished. Chrome refinished or replaced.
Start a 190SL project

W113 Pagoda · 1968–1971

Mercedes-Benz 280SL restoration

A 280SL is only as good as its details. Whether we are polishing up a nice driver or restoring from the ground up, every detail needs to be addressed: tricky fuel systems, correct interior finishes, and deciding on metal and paint. We take the time on everything.

  • Engine mechanical work from a tune-up to a rebuild
  • Soft-top frame, Pagoda hardtop fit and seal alignment on the car
  • Chrome, brightwork and glass rubbers replaced or replated to specification
  • Interiors trimmed in-house, including the seats, dashboard and door cards
Start a 280SL project

One shop, start to finish

A one-stop shop, from bare metal to delivery.

Most restorations lose time and money in the handoffs between shops. At Farland Classic Restoration, the great majority of the work on your car is done in-house by specialists who work alongside one another, so problems get solved once and one team is accountable from start to finish.

  • Metal and structure

    Rust repair, fabrication, panel replacement and alignment done with an expert’s eye.

  • Paint

    Award-winning metal and paint crafted to the standard we take to national concours.

  • Interior and upholstery

    Our best artisans and the best materials combine to make your interior shine.

  • Engine and drivetrain

    Mechanical work, from fine-tune to total rebuild, performed by our skilled mechanics.

  • Chrome and brightwork

    Plating, polishing, correct trim and hardware, managed by us with parts sourced through our network.

  • Final detail

    We started 35 years ago as a detail shop, so this is where our craftsmanship truly shines. Ceramic coating, paint protection, last touches and more.

190SL and 280SL

Complete cars from the shop.

Ivory 190SLs, Pagodas in the showroom, and finished cars photographed in the shop and on the road.

  • Ivory 1955 Mercedes-Benz 190SL in the Farland shop, front three-quarter view
  • Champagne Mercedes-Benz 190SL roadster in the Farland studio
  • Ivory Mercedes-Benz 190SL with the soft top up, parked in the Farland shop
  • Tan leather interior of an ivory Mercedes-Benz 190SL, seen from above
  • Dark green Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda in the Farland showroom, with other SLs behind it
  • Red Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda with a removable hardtop, parked on a tree-lined street

Recently out of our shop

A 1971 280SL in Tobacco over Cognac.

Complete restoration performed in our shop, including the Cognac interior of this stunning Pagoda. View this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

  • Tobacco brown 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in the Farland studio, front three-quarter view
  • Tobacco brown 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL with a Cognac interior, shown from the side
  • Wide view of the Cognac interior in a Tobacco brown Mercedes-Benz 280SL
  • Cognac interior and dashboard of a Tobacco brown Mercedes-Benz 280SL

How a project runs

Expertly managed. Carefully restored.

Our process is built around scheduled updates, photographs and approvals before any money is spent.

  1. 1

    Talk it through

    We turn your vision for your car into a practical restoration plan that reflects your goals and fits your budget.

  2. 2

    Disassembly

    The car is meticulously disassembled, photographed and cataloged to streamline reassembly later.

  3. 3

    Restore

    Metal, paint, trim and mechanical work are managed by one team, with photo updates and approvals as we go.

  4. 4

    Reassembly

    This is where our pros shine. Thousands of restored and refreshed parts back into one beautiful classic.

Before you call

Frequently Asked Restoration Questions

What does a 190SL or 280SL restoration cost?

It depends entirely on what is under the paint, which is why we do not provide quotes or estimates. For a full restoration, we disassemble and catalog the car first. From there, the project proceeds on a time-and-materials basis, with clear updates and approvals throughout.

I am not in Colorado. Can you still take the car?

Yes. A large share of our SL clients are out of state. We can help facilitate getting the car to Farland Classic Restoration. We keep you updated with photographs at every stage, and welcome you to visit the shop whenever you want to see the car.

Do I have to commit to a full restoration?

No. Plenty of these classic Mercedes come to us for less than complete restorations: rust repair, a repaint, an interior, an engine rebuild, or heavy detail. If your SL only needs certain work, you’re in the right place.

Will the car still be original when it is done?

That is your call, and we will tell you what each choice does to the car’s value. We restore to factory-correct specification as standard, and we also build discreet upgrades for owners who want to drive the car more than they show it.

Choose your starting point

Not every SL needs everything.

Some cars come to us for a complete restoration. Others need one thing done properly by people who know the model. Tell us which conversation you want to have.

  • For the car you intend to keep

    Frame-up restoration

    The car is stripped, cataloged and rebuilt system by system, then returned to factory-correct specification or better.

  • For rust, ripples and tired paint

    Metal, Bodywork and Paint

    Rust repair, fabrication, panel fit and an award-standard finish, plus additional services at your request.

  • For the car you want to drive more

    Mechanical and interior

    Engine repair or improvement, brakes, suspension and drivetrain, plus interiors trimmed in our own upholstery shop.

Start the Conversation

Years of experience give us the ability to tell you exactly what you need. And more importantly, what you don't.

Start your project

Tell us about your SL.

Send a few photographs and what your aspirations are. One of our specialists will get back to you to discuss the best next steps.

Speak with the team
(303) 761-1245
Visit the shop
3800 S Kalamath StEnglewood, CO 80110
Hours
Mon–Thu 8am–5pm · Fri 8am–3pm

Up to 6 photos or videos, 10 MB each.

A specialist will get back with you quickly. Your details stay with our team and are never sold.

Call the shopGet in touch