Modified 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 'Strawberry' Showcases Classic-Meets-Modern Approach at DFW Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum is currently featuring a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL that represents a growing trend in classic car collecting: tasteful modifications that enhance driving enjoyment while preserving vintage character. This particular example, part of The Ron Sturgeon Collection, has undergone over $70,000 in restoration work and features a significant mechanical upgrade—a performance-focused five-speed manual transmission that transforms the driving experience of this iconic Mercedes roadster.

Originally finished in Silver Metallic with an Anthracite Grey hardtop, this U.S.-market car now wears a rich metallic burgundy repaint described as "Strawberry" for its deep, distinctive appearance. The color choice, combined with the timeless W113 "Pagoda" design, makes this 280SL stand out among traditionally restored examples. Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, explained the philosophy behind such modifications: "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 mechanical transformation centers around the gearbox swap, with a Tremec five-speed manual transmission sourced from specialists at Bud's Benz. This modification addresses one of the limitations of original 280SL models, which were typically equipped with automatic transmissions. The five-speed conversion brings improved engagement, precision shifting, and potentially better fuel efficiency for modern driving conditions. Under the hood, the original 2.8-liter M130 inline-six engine was resealed during the multi-year refurbishment to ensure reliable performance.

Additional upgrades 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. The car features disc brakes at all four corners and a rev-happy 7,000-rpm tachometer, with the five-digit odometer currently showing 87,000 miles. The museum itself, now located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking in its 150,000-square-foot facility, with hours Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Visitors can find more information at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This modified 280SL represents an important shift in collector car philosophy, where authenticity is increasingly balanced with usability and driving pleasure. The trend toward thoughtfully modified classics reflects changing collector priorities, with enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer both aesthetic appeal and engaging driving dynamics. Such modifications can potentially increase the appeal and value of classic cars to a new generation of collectors who prioritize driving experience over strict originality. The presence of this vehicle in a public museum collection also demonstrates how automotive preservation is evolving to include significant modified examples alongside factory-original specimens, acknowledging that customization has always been part of automotive culture.