Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagode W113 (1970)

Kickdown Check

• On-site kickdown assessment completed
  • 215 photos
• Classic-Analytics evaluation from 04/2023 with a grade of 2 available
• Last service in 06/2026
• Engine, automatic transmission, brakes, and fuel system overhauled in 2018–2019 at a specialist shop for classic cars; invoices totaling approximately 26,900 euros

Facts & Specifications

• Year of manufacture: 1970
• First registration: USA
• Engine: 2.8-liter inline-six with fuel injection, 170 PS (125 kW)
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic
• Exterior color: Red
• Interior: MB-Tex synthetic leather, black
• TÜV valid until 10/2027, H license plate, seasonal license plate
• Features:
  • Fabric convertible top, no hardtop
  • MB-Tex synthetic leather interior, black
  • Power steering
  • Radio
• The following modifications were made:
  • Speakers retrofitted in the doors and securely mounted
  • EU-compliant headlights and bumpers installed

Condition

Exterior

• Exterior color is red
• The vehicle has already been completely repainted for cosmetic reasons
• There is no known accident damage
• The body is in very well-maintained condition with only slight signs of wear due to age
• There is no known rust

Interior

• BlackMB-Tex synthetic leather
• The interior is in a well-maintained original condition with a slight age-related patina
• All features are fully functional
• No damage to the interior is known

Mechanics

• The vehicle is road-ready and registered with a seasonal license plate
• Original engine, matching numbers, was overhauled in 2018
• The engine runs flawlessly; the automatic transmission shifts smoothly
• There are no known technical defects
• Last service: 06/2026

History

Ownership History

• According to the seller, there have been 3 owners in total; the current owner has owned it since 2020
• First registered in July 1970 in the United States

Work Performed

• 06/2026: Service
• 10/2025: Vehicle inspection (HU) with emissions test—no apparent defects, TÜV Nord
• 08/2025: Door speakers
• 05/2025: Battery tray replaced
• 04/2023: Paul’s Classic Garage, Selm
  • Power steering pump removed, sealed, and reinstalled with a new mounting bolt
  • Oil and oil filter change
  • Tachometer and center gauge removed, glass cleaned, gaskets replaced
• 01/2022: Seat cushions reupholstered, Activa Automotive Service, Borken
• 11/2021: Tires 185/80 R14, Darley Wrede Tire and Auto Service
• 09/2021: Underbody protection and cavity preservation, Carpentum, Coesfeld
• August 2018 to February 2019: Jürgen Kassen, specialist shop for historic vehicles, Oerlinghausen
  • Vehicle inspected, spark plugs replaced
  • Automatic transmission repaired: shift gate, shift linkage, solenoid linkage, kick-down switch, and oil pressure switch
  • Engine removed, completely disassembled, and cleaned
  • Engine block cleaned, bored, and honed; 6 new pistons
  • Crankshaft inspected for cracks, precision-balanced, and lapped
  • Main and connecting rod bearings fitted; connecting rods straightened
  • Cylinder head surface-milled, valve seats milled, valves ground, valve guides and valve stem seals replaced
  • Engine reassembled with a new timing chain, guide rails, timing shaft, and oil pump
  • Oil pans sealed, overflow valve installed
  • Engine primed and painted
  • Driver’s door soft-top seal and window regulator slide plate replaced; new door trim
  • Cylinder head installed with a new gasket; valve clearance adjusted
  • Fuel injection pump installed with new gaskets; fuel injectors and lines installed
  • Intake manifold, intake manifold flange, and water pump installed with new gaskets
  • Water and fuel hoses replaced; thermostat and fan clutch replaced; radiator flushed
  • Power steering pump overhauled; pulleys and V-belts installed
  • Exhaust system completely replaced
  • Ignition system repaired; ignition coil and spark plug wires replaced
  • Automatic transmission sealed; transmission oil filter replaced; speedometer drive replaced
  • Front and rear brake hoses and front brake pads replaced; brake system bled
  • Heating heat exchanger repaired with a new mesh; heating control and air dampers overhauled
  • Door panels and window cranks overhauled; engine mounts replaced
  • 07/2018: Underbody dry-iced, Ralf Humberg; 4 Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 R14 tires

  Documents

  • Certificate of Registration, Parts I and II
  • TÜV Nord vehicle inspection report dated 10/2025
  • Classic Analytics Appraisal Report dated 04/2023
  • Invoices from Jürgen Kassen, 2018–2019
  • Invoices for sandblasting, preservation, upholstery, maintenance, tires, and parts from 2018 to 2025
  • Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Owner’s Manual
  • Becker Radio User Manual and Warranty Service Booklet

  Summary

  For sale is a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (“Pagoda”) that was originally registered in the United States, featuring a 4-speed automatic transmission and black MB-Tex faux leather interior . In 2018 and 2019, the engine, automatic transmission, brakes, fuel system, and heater were overhauled by a specialist shop for classic cars, as documented by invoices totaling approximately 26,900 euros. The body has been completely repainted and is very well maintained; the interior is in good original condition with patina. A 2023 appraisal report with a grade of 2 is available, and the vehicle inspection (HU) is valid through October 2027. There are no known technical defects. A hardtop is not included. This vehicle will appeal to buyers seeking a technically overhauled Pagode with an automatic transmission and a comprehensively documented history.