1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SL "Pagoda"
Video Gallery
1970 Mercedes Benz 280 SL Cold Start and Walk Around
Description
First introduced in March 1963, the 230 SL combined the fantastic sporting characteristics of the 300 SL with the cruising comforts of the 190 SL, creating a beautifully styled piece of 1960s automotive sculpture. The most notable of the many interesting styling features of the W113 SL is the concave “Pagoda” hardtop, earning its nickname for its similarities to a Japanese Pagoda. This innovative design allows for a comfortable cabin with excellent visibility, and the SL’s Pagoda hardtop, which this example includes, also maintains a strong roof structure. With continual development, the 230 SL’s engine was enlarged to 2.8 liters and power levels increased from 148 to 158 horsepower with a subsequent name change to 280 SL. Comfortable and effortlessly stylish, a W113 SL like this is a true “special-occasion” sports car and with the top down on a sunny day, one of life’s finest automotive experiences.
Highlights
Presently finished in Signal Red over a Bamboo MB-Tex interior
Powered by a mechanically fuel-injected 2.8-liter 158 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine
Originally optioned from the factory with:
426 - Floor shift automatic transmission (420) and Power steering (422)
491 - US Version
503 - Left side outside rearview mirror
515 - Becker AM, FM, USA band radio
906 G - Grey Blue Graublau Metallic Body (Glasurit) paint
906 G - Grey Blue Graublau Metallic “Pagoda” Hardtop (Glasurit) paint
113044 – 280 SL
12 – Left Hand Drive, Automatic
7 – US Market Example
Recent service prior to consignment includes:
Cleaning and polishing of the center dashboard instrument glass
Installation of a radio delete plate
Diagnosis and repair of a rough idle with replacement of a faulty air control valve thermostat
New spark plugs
A recently replaced middle exhaust muffler
Undercarriage visuals confirm a recently replaced fuel tank and newer fuel lines
Visuals confirm newer carpeting in the interior
Please note that while the odometer displays 70,691 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage of this 280 SL is unknown
Features
Includes its removable hard top
Frigiking air conditioning noted to blow cool prior to consignment
Body-colored wheel covers
Michelin radial narrow whitewall tires
Anatomically correct seats sprung to match the vehicle suspension
“Infinitely variable” heating and ventilation system
Two-speed fresh air blower
Independent suspension all around
Four-wheel dual-circuit power disc brakes
Front axle anti-roll bar
Hydraulic gas-filled telescopic shock absorbers
Two-speed windshield wipers
Recirculating ball-type steering
Shock-absorbing steering damper
“Oddments” tray
Illuminated glove compartment
Door pockets
Padded armrests
Known Imperfections
Condition in line with a driver quality example with noted imperfections below:
Missing the torque converter inspection panel underneath the car
Light dampness (from minor leaks/weeps) on the undercarriage
Paint bubbling under the rear bumpers
Missing wraparound wood dash trim
Replacement fuel cap
Missing radio, now covered with a radio delete plate
Seat covers are a shade off from the rest of the interior
Missing passenger-side air vent lever
Patched coolant overflow line
Missing driver side under dash kick panel
Included
Trunk-mounted spare wheel under cover
Ownership History
Produced in December of 1969, prior sale research indicated this 1970 model year this 280 SL Pagoda was likely part of Jim Rogers’ impressive Las Vegas, Nevada classic car collection prior to being sold in 2015. After two subsequent Arizona sales in 2017 and 2020, it moved to the southeast United States and has seen recent servicing in preparation for consignment.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Group Car Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner for this vehicle.
Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com
Optional vehicle service contract available for $1,200. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.
