2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Exquisite, nut-and-bolt restoration recently completed by Mercedes-Benz marque specialist
*Includes both 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Southern California car from new retaining the original yellow and black CA license plates
*Restored with Incredible attention to detail


THE MERCEDES-BENZ 280SL

In the spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL - the 230SL. The 230SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language, featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. The 230SL was fitted with a prominent three-pointed star in its grill as a reference to the already iconic 300SL. To save on weight, the hood, door skins, trunk lid, and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminum. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered a masterpiece of design.

In 1967, Mercedes introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280SL, and it then became apparent that some cars don't change, they just get better. "The Mercedes-Benz 280SL, the latest version of a line that began as the 230SL in 1963, is the same as ever, just better," concluded Road & Track after testing a 280SL in 1968. "For those who value engineering, finesse and high quality construction, it's alone in the field," enthused the highly respected American motoring magazine, while its manufacturer considered the 280SL: "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort (a Mercedes-Benz saloon naturally)."

The 280 featured the same modified W111 chassis with a rear swing axle and independent front suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Power came from a 2.8-liter version of Mercedes' robust inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection, a combination producing 160 horsepower in US-market variants, which had to be modified slightly to comply with emissions standards. To compensate, the rear-end ratios were changed in these US-market cars to offer greater low-end acceleration.

While the 280SL did not offer the performance of the 300SL, it is a very charming model with capable handling and braking thanks to its suspension and all-wheel disc brakes. These roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s. Thanks to their robust inline-six and their luxurious Mercedes interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed.


The MOTORCAR OFFERED

If one is looking for a 'Best of the Best' type restored Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, this very car should be carefully considered. Not only was this a solid and straight, one-owner Southern California car from new, but the level this 280SL has been restored to by a noted Mercedes-Benz specialist is nothing short of breathtaking.

Completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during the Spring of 1969, this 280SL was equipped for the US market, and soon after exported to Los Angeles, California, where the first owner would take delivery. The car would remain with this Los Angeles-based original owner until about 4 years ago when purchased by the consignor. The original pink slip is still with the car to this day, as are the original black and yellow CA license plates. The consignor soon after set out to treat the highly original, solid and well-kept Mercedes-Benz to a comprehensive, nut-and-bolt restoration to exacting factory standards.

A noted Mercedes-Benz specialist was retained to carry out the no expense spared restoration. The original medium blue exterior paint was stripped, and the sound SL bodywork was finished in the period-correct Mercedes color of Midnight blue (DB904), and a Parchment leather interior was fitted by professional upholsters. The original chrome and brightwork was refinished to superb standards, and all nuts, bolts, bracketry and hard lines were correctly Cadmium plated. The original engine was fully rebuilt by the Mercedes-Benz engine specialists at Metric Motors. A new black soft top was fitted, while the original Pagoda hard top was completely restored and finished in Midnight Blue. Today the 280SL presents as would be expected for a restoration of this magnitude and is ready for competitive Concours d'Elegance judging. Inside the spotless cabin the original Becker Europa radio graces the dashboard, and the factory original A/C blows ice cold. A comprehensive restoration file is offered with the Pagoda, containing both pictures and receipts of the restoration. Truly a 'Best of the Best' example, this exquisite 280SL is impressive in every way.