1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Roadster

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Description

This 1971 280SL Pagoda Roadster comes delivered in a White exterior that is complemented by a Chocolate Brown interior and stands as a great original example. It is a 2-owner from new California car that includes 2 tops - soft and hard - and features a number of desirable options including dealer-installed Air Conditioning, a period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM radio, and a single exterior mirror. The 280SL also features a recently refreshed interior, while retaining numerous original features such as inner fender spot welds, notches behind the headlight surrounds, and its authentic firewall pad. The Mercedes includes the owner's manual, along with a copy of the Mercedes data card.

Recent work performed by our team included:

• A complete repaint, wet sanding & buffing of the exterior and restored hard top.
• Fully restored the Hard Top with new wood, re-chromed hardware, and painted to match the car.
• Installed a new Headliner.
• Properly rebuilt the head and installed new gaskets.
• Replaced the sub-frame mounts.
• Replaced the brake booster.
• Rebuilt the rear calipers.
• Replaced rear soft brake line.
• Installed a new voltage regulator.
• Flushed and Bled the Brake system.
• Detailed the undercarriage.
• Installed a new exhaust system (with hangers)

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History

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is a highly regarded model that forms part of the W113 series. It was introduced in 1967 as a successor to the 230 SL and 250 SL models, and was produced until 1971, with a total of 23,885 units manufactured during its production run. In 1971, Mercedes-Benz produced approximately 830 units of the 280 SL. The iconic German roadster was designed by Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi and features a distinctive, slightly concave hardtop, which earned it the nickname "Pagoda" due to its resemblance to Far Eastern temples; this unique hardtop design not only provided additional headroom but also improved structural rigidity, further enhancing the 280 SL’s appeal. In addition, the hood of the 280 SL features a central bulge to accommodate the tall single overhead camshaft engine. This design element became a defining characteristic of the car's profile.

Powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine, the 280 SL produces about 168 horsepower and 180 lb.-ft of torque. It was originally available with several gearbox options: a four-speed manual transmission, a five-speed manual transmission (rare), or a four-speed automatic transmission. The 280 SL was often praised for its excellent handling, ride quality, and overall reliability, thanks in part to a sturdy chassis and advanced safety features, including a rigid passenger cell and crumple zones. It also features a distinctive front grille with a large three-pointed star, rounded headlamps, and a well-proportioned body. The 280 SL also offers a comfortable yet engaging driving experience, with a suspension system that provided a good blend of comfort and handling.

These cars have become synonymous with style and sophistication, often seen in period movies and owned by celebrities, past and present. The blend of performance, luxury, and timeless design has made it a highly sought-after classic car today.