1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SL "Pagoda"

Description

First introduced in March 1963, the 230 SL combined the fantastic sporting characteristics of the 300 SL with the cruising comforts of the 190 SL, creating a beautifully styled piece of 1960s automotive sculpture. The most notable of the many interesting styling features of the W113 SL is the concave “Pagoda” hardtop, earning its nickname for its similarities to a Japanese Pagoda. This innovative design allows for a comfortable cabin with excellent visibility, and the SL’s Pagoda hardtop, which this example includes, also maintains a strong roof structure. With continual development, the 230 SL’s engine was enlarged to 2.8 liters and power levels increased from 148 to 158 horsepower with a subsequent name change to 280 SL. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish, a W113 SL like this is a true “special-occasion” sports car and with the top down on a sunny day, one of life’s finest automotive experiences.

Highlights

• Presently finished in Signal Red over a Bamboo MB-Tex interior

• Powered by a mechanically fuel-injected 2.8-liter 158 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine

• Originally optioned from the factory with:

  • 426 - Floor shift automatic transmission (420) and Power steering (422)

  • 491 - US Version

  • 503 - Left side outside rearview mirror

  • 515 - Becker AM, FM, USA band radio

  • 906 G - Grey Blue Graublau Metallic Body (Glasurit) paint

  • 906 G - Grey Blue Graublau Metallic “Pagoda” Hardtop (Glasurit) paint

• 113044 – 280 SL

• 12 – Left Hand Drive, Automatic

• 7 – US Market Example

• Recent service prior to consignment includes:

  • Cleaning and polishing of the center dashboard instrument glass

  • Installation of a radio delete plate

  • Diagnosis and repair of a rough idle with replacement of a faulty air control valve thermostat

  • New spark plugs 

• A recently replaced middle exhaust muffler

• Undercarriage visuals confirm a recently replaced fuel tank and newer fuel lines

• Visuals confirm newer carpeting in the interior

• Please note that while the odometer displays 70,691 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage of this 280 SL is unknown

Features

• Includes its removable hard top

• Frigiking air conditioning noted to blow cool prior to consignment

• Body-colored wheel covers

• Michelin radial narrow whitewall tires

• Anatomically correct seats sprung to match the vehicle suspension

• “Infinitely variable” heating and ventilation system

• Two-speed fresh air blower

• Independent suspension all around

• Four-wheel dual-circuit power disc brakes

• Front axle anti-roll bar

• Hydraulic gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers

• Two-speed windshield wipers

• Recirculating ball-type steering

• Shock-absorbing steering damper

• “Oddments” tray

• Illuminated glove compartment

• Door pockets

• Padded armrests

Known Imperfections

• Condition in line with a driver quality example with noted imperfections below:

• Missing the torque converter inspection panel underneath the car

• Light dampness (from minor leaks/weeps) on the undercarriage

• Paint bubbling under the rear bumpers

• Missing wraparound wood dash trim

• Replacement fuel cap

• Missing radio, now covered with a radio delete plate

• Seat covers are a shade off from the rest of the interior

• Missing passenger-side air vent lever

• Patched coolant overflow line

• Missing driver side under dash kick panel

Included

• Trunk-mounted spare wheel under cover

Ownership History

Produced in December of 1969, prior sale research indicated this 1970 model year this 280 SL Pagoda was likely part of Jim Rogers’ impressive Las Vegas, Nevada classic car collection prior to being sold in 2015. After two subsequent Arizona sales in 2017 and 2020, it moved to the southeast United States and has seen recent servicing in preparation for consignment.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.

Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com

Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,200. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.