Model history:

After the two extremes 300 SL and 190 SL, the roadster tradition of the Untertürkheim company got a new accent in 1963. The 113 series, introduced under the designation Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, created a clear, new model concept. Timeless, sporty styling, a sophisticated soft-top design, perfectly fitting hardtop and powerful engines characterized the Mercedes-Benz known as the "Pagoda". This nickname came from the characteristic shape of the hardtop roof center section. The most powerful model in the series was the 280 SL, which was available from 1968 to 1971.

General information about the vehicle:

Now up for bid in this auction is a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL from the 113 series built in 1971, which was delivered in the USA and ran in California (San Francisco) until 2015. At the end of 2015, the Pagoda finally came to Spain (Tenerife), from there the current owner acquired it and transferred it to Germany, where a technical overhaul took place between the years 2020 and 2022. According to the seller's information, a total of 3 owners are known for this Mercedes-Benz with the chassis number 11304412019412 and the so-called matching numbers are given. Although there is no exact history of the vehicle, the mileage of this Pagoda can be approximately proven after consultation with the current owner. The 280 SL is MOT'd until March 2023, and it already has an H license plate - the car was recognized as a historic vehicle in Spain in 2018. Also worth mentioning is an existing valuation report, which is up to date and certifies the car's condition grade 2 as well as a value of €114,000 as a basis for insurance.

Exterior color/paint/bodywork:

In Germany, the Pagoda underwent an overhaul: the US headlights, bumpers and side indicators were removed and replaced with European parts. Minimal rust damage, which the 280 SL showed among others in the area of the wheel arches and sills, was professionally repaired in Germany - according to the seller, all other body areas (trunk, engine compartment, underbody, interior) remained rust-free. A paint job of the Mercedes-Benz in the color blue took place in 2021 following the overhaul. An accident-free condition of this Pagoda can be confirmed by the seller. The original hardtop in body color is present.

Exterior Rims/Brakes/Chassis:

So-called baroque aluminum rims adorn the visual appearance of the 280 SL, the tires are new according to the seller

current owner certifies the brakes a condition between 50-70%, in the area of the chassis according to him no damages are known, since all chassis components were overhauled.

Interior:

Leather seats in the interior in matching color to the lacquer dress of the Mercedes-Benz provide for a successful overall appearance of this 280 SL. Only a couple of minimal visual conspicuities in the interior could be improved, according to the seller - for example, the driver's seat feels a bit soft. For the current owner, however, this is part of the patina of this Mercedes-Benz. The function of the soft top is flawless - it can be opened and also locked again without any problems. To get a detailed picture of the interior condition and all equipment features of this 280 SL, we recommend to look through the meaningful series of pictures.

Mileage

The US speedometer underwent an overhaul: It was converted from a mileage to an odometer. After consultation with the seller, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL has run approximately 104,000 kilometers, which is partially provable. All of the instruments in the interior show decent function.

Engine

From 2.8-liter displacement, the inline six-cylinder of this 280 SL draws 170 horsepower - power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. According to the seller, the engine was overhauled and a new cylinder head was used, as the old one had already been ground down to size. The injection pumps and the nozzles were also renewed or reworked. The automatic transmission was removed and overhauled at a transmission store in Hamburg. Last service work on the Pagoda was carried out in March 2022.

Underbody:

The seller describes the underside of the Pagoda as partially welded and now completely rust-free. The attractive shape, the advantage of being able to drive open at any time and the solidity speak for a Mercedes-Benz of the 113 series. This 280 SL with automatic transmission offered here offers itself either as a problem-free companion for everyday life or as a fair-weather vehicle which can be enjoyed in a dignified manner with the top down on sunny days.