Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 47
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Chassis no. 113044.10.060390 Engine no. 130983.10.007294
Sold for US$152,320 inc. premium
Lot 47
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Chassis no. 113044.10.060390
Engine no. 130983.10.007294
Chassis no. 113044.10.060390
Engine no. 130983.10.007294
2,778cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
160bhp at 5,700rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*One of only 355 Manual Transmission examples built for 1971
*Includes both 'Pagoda' hard top and folding soft top
*Appealing timeless Midnight Blue paintwork
*Presenting well with recent servicing
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 CAR OFFERED
Presented here is a great example of this iconic model, which was unquestionably years ahead of its peers in terms of a luxurious and smooth driving experience. It is for that reason that so many of these cars continue to be actively used and enjoyed today, they're relatively modern in their abilities and a true classic when it comes to their looks.
Even among its breed, this is a very rare car, being one only 355 280 SLs specified from new with the manual transmission option in this year, which allows its inline six to be fully appreciated on the road. Decoding its build plate confirms that the car was delivered new to the USA and in the same color scheme that it can be seen today of code 904, Midnight Blue. Its hardtop was equipped with electric heated rear window, and the interior specified a Becker AM/FM Radio with cassette, a rare feature which it retains. The original interior color is not known, but it seems likely that it matched its current format of a light beige leather, which corresponds with its ivory white steering wheel and gear lever. The soft top is in dark blue canvas, while its hard top matches the body color.
In the present ownership the Pagoda has received much servicing and technical revision comprising a full tune-up, new spark plug wires, and plugs, new gas tank, new stainless-steel exhaust, new Bilstein shock absorbers all around, new tires and new chromed bumpers. Additionally, in the engine bay, the firewall Hardura pad and firewall grommets were replaced, and the valve cover gasket renewed. Concessions to use are power steering and modern air-conditioning with recessed vents and controls.
On close inspection, the car is particularly original in its detail, not least tell-tale signs such as original inner fender weld spots and external notches behind the headlight surrounds. Timeless in its looks, this attractive 280SL is ready to be enjoyed, its seller reporting that it drives very well with short responsive shifting and a smooth ride.
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Saleroom notices
Please note, the model year of this Mercedes-Benz is 1971.
Additional information
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