Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagode W113 (1969)

Kickdown Check

• On-site kickdown assessment completed
  • 215 photos
  • Video
• Sought-after 280 SL with 170 PS
• Only the third owner; has been with the current owner since 2013
• Restored vehicle: The engine and transmission have been overhauled, as documented by invoices. As part of this work, the engine was converted to run on unleaded gasoline. In addition, the Pagoda has already been completely repainted
• Extensive documentation with original invoices dating back to the import
• Matching Numbers
• Last service: 06/2026

Facts & Specifications

• First registration: 1969
• Country of first registration: USA
• Engine: 2.8-liter inline-six (2,778 cm³) with 170 PS (125 kW)
• Transmission: Manual, four-speed
• Exterior color: Light ivory
• Interior: Leather, brown
• TÜV valid until 07/2028, H license plate
• Features:
  • Brown soft top
  • Hardtop (in fair condition)
  • Additional set of Baroque rims
  • Red taillights
  • Becker Mexico cassette radio
  • VDO Kienzle clock
  • Original spare tire and complete tool kit
• The following modifications were made:
  • German headlights installed after import
  • Conversion to unleaded gasoline as part of the engine overhaul

Condition

Exterior

• Exterior color is light ivory
• After import, the vehicle was completely repainted for cosmetic reasons; trim, bumpers, lights, and seals were replaced during this process
• There is no known accident damage
• The body is in very well-maintained condition with only slight age-related signs of wear
• Slight surface rust present

Interior

• Brown leather seats, brown carpet
• The interior is in good condition with age-related signs of wear; it has been partially restored, and the seats have been reupholstered
• All features are fully functional

Mechanics

• The vehicle is road-ready and registered
• The engine is original (matching numbers) and has been overhauled
• The engine runs flawlessly; approximately 5,000 km have been driven since the overhaul
• The transmission has been disassembled and fully overhauled and shifts flawlessly
• The fuel injection pump was completely overhauled in 2025, including the fuel lines and valves
• The brakes have been replaced
• Last service: 06/2026

History

Ownership History

• 2013 to present: 3rd owner (Germany)
• 1973 to 2013: 2nd owner (USA)
• 1969 to 1973: 1st owner (USA)
• Imported from the U.S. to Germany in 2013; registered in Germany since August 2014. Owned by the seller ever since
• Odometer reading: 94,952 miles; mileage history cannot be verified

Service History

• No service booklet available; work is documented by original invoices
• 07/2026: General inspection, TÜV SÜD; result: minor defects (oil in engine)
• 06/2026: Last service
• 2025: Complete overhaul of the fuel injection pump, including fuel lines and valves
• 09/2015: Engine and transmission removed and reinstalled; transmission disassembled and overhauled (synchronizer rings, synchronizer bodies, bearings); engine mounts replaced; fuel pump, fuel filter, cold-start valve, distributor cap, rotor, breaker points, and combination switch replaced
• In Germany: Engine overhaul with new pistons; cylinder bores machined; crankshaft inspected and ground; main and connecting rod bearings replaced; cylinder head overhauled and resurfaced; new valves, valve guides, and valve seat rings; cylinder head gasket, gasket set, and timing chain replaced
• 12/2014: VDO Kienzle speedometer disassembled, cleaned, and repaired
• 09/2014: Spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, capacitor, resistor, and filter element replaced
• July 2014 through August 2014: Fuel tank replaced; welding work performed on the underbody (tank mounts, panels on the rear axle); underbody protection applied; some lighting cables replaced
• June 2013 to March 2014: Complete repaint with replacement of trim strips, bumpers, lighting, and seals; underbody protection and cavity sealing

Documents

• Registration certificate from 08/2014
• TÜV SÜD vehicle inspection report dated 07/2026
• DEKRA classic car appraisal report dated 04/2022
• TÜV SÜD report on individual operating permit pursuant to §21 StVZO dated 08/2014
• Original invoices for paintwork, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, and other work
• Specifications

Summary

For sale is a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (W113 “Pagoda”) first registered in the U.S. in 1969. The original and highly sought-after 2.8-liter inline-six engine with 170 PS and the four-speed transmission have been completely overhauled, and the 2025 fuel injection pump has been reconditioned. After being imported, the vehicle was completely repainted in light ivory. The body is in excellent condition, and the partially restored interior, featuring newly upholstered seats, is well-preserved. A hardtop in fair condition and an additional set of sport rims are included. Original invoices document the work performed. This is an attractive option for buyers seeking a technically refurbished Pagoda with an “H” license plate.