1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 4-Speed

Description

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL marked the final year of the iconic “Pagoda” SL series (W113), which debuted in 1963. Designed by Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, the 280SL combined elegant styling with advanced safety features, including a concave hardtop roof that inspired the “Pagoda” nickname. It was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine producing 170 horsepower. It featured Bosch mechanical fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and disc brakes on all four wheels. The 1971 model year saw minor updates, as production ended in February of that year. 

This 280SL is a desirable four-speed manual example that received extensive refurbishment by Aventura Motos of Southampton, New York, before being acquired by the seller in July 2022. Work included stripping the body to bare metal before repainting it in white, while mechanical work consisted of rebuilding the 2.8-liter inline-six and manual transmission. A replacement black convertible top covers a re-trimmed interior with red leather upholstery. Additional features include a removable hardtop, refinished bright work, a Becker Europa radio, and 14” steel wheels with body-color hubcaps.

This 280SL is now offered in Idaho with a clean Wyoming title in the seller’s name.

Factory Equipment 

• 2.8-liter inline-six 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Removable hardtop  

• Refinished 14” steel wheels with body-color hubcaps 

• VDO instrumentation 

• Refurbished Becker Europa AM/FM radio 

• Padded dashboard with wooden trim 

Modifications 

• Body stripped to bare metal and repainted in white (Glasurit 050) 

• Replacement black convertible top 

• Re-trimmed interior with red leather upholstery 

Known Imperfections  

• The right window is scratched  

Ownership History 

The seller acquired this W113 Pagoda in July 2022 from Aventura Motors of Southampton, New York.

Additional Information 

The seller states mechanical refurbishment included an engine rebuild with various cadmium-plated components by Metric Motors of Canoga Park, California, as well as rebuilding the fuel-injection pump and transmission.

The body is said to have been stripped to bare metal before being refinished with Glasuirt paint, along with refinishing the chrome and bright trim. The instrumentation was reportedly rebuilt by Palo Alto Speedometer, and German-sourced refurbishment materials include the soft top and leather upholstery.