1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

2dr Convertible

6-cyl. 2778cc/180hp Bosch FI

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$85,700*

+3.5%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1968-1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL stats
Highest sale
$335,000
Lowest sale
$2,200
Most recent sale
$113,297
Sales
1195

Photos

50 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 2dr Convertible Courtesy of Hyman Ltd.
insurance

Protect your 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL from the unexpected for only $359 per year**

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**Figure based on a stock 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL valued at $85,700 with OH rates with $100/300K liability/UM/UIM limits. Actual costs vary depending on the coverage selected, vehicle condition, state and other factors. Hagerty determines final risk acceptance.

Model overview

Model description

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280SL less than a year after the 250SL arrived on the scene, and closed out the “pagoda” SL line in 1971 after nearly 24,000 were built. The 280 was very similar, to its predecessor, using clean, elegant lines, intelligent placement of the wheels in proportion to the rest of the design, and a tall, "pagoda" removable hard top that allowed for ease of ingress and egress.

Like the other W113 cars, the 280 utilized a monocoque chassis, with front suspension courtesy of coils and wishbones, while the rear incorporated a single-pivot swing axle and transverse springs set up to compensate for camber. Four-wheel discs provided braking power.

The engine was a 2.8-liter, overhead-cam, inline-6. Bosch fuel injection was incorporated as well, and horsepower on the sport tourer was rated at 180 – a fair bit more than the 230 and 250 had access to. Torque was also higher at 177 ft-lb. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, though a new 4-speed automatic transmission was optional, as was a ZF 5-speed manual.

Cabin refinement was high, with acres of leather, plush, supportive seats, big, readable gauges, Blaupunkt radios, and a quality of craftsmanship throughout, including the soft top, which disappeared easily and unobtrusively when not in use. New safety features included an energy-absorbing steering column and three-point seatbelts, while side marker lights are the biggest external visual difference between the 250 and 280.

By the time the 280SL gave way to the next generation SL, designated the R107, it had firmly established itself as one of the finest cars to come from the Stuttgart firm. With timeless, graceful styling, spirited performance and handling, and build quality and reliability second to none, the SL series of cars built from 1963 to 1971 are solid collectibles with plenty to offer.

Vehicle specifications

  • Vehicle Length169 in
  • Wheelbase - Inches94.5 in
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Common Questions

The value of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $85,700 for a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL at auction over the last three years was $324,000. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL at auction over the last three years was $47,965. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 77 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SLs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL was $81,431 on November 27, 2024 by Car and Classic.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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