1969 Mercedes Benz 280SL “Pagoda”

49678 Miles

Hardtop
Rare 4 Speed
AC

Completely Restored
Gorgeous Glasurit Two-Stage Paint
Brand New Interior
Rebuilt Motor

Color Code 158 White Gray

Becker Europa AM/FM Radio
Vin# 113044100062000

This is one of the nicest restored 280SL’s we have seen in a long time. These attractive sports cars were highly regarded when new and have remained sought-after classics. Like the previous models, the 280SL has a beautifully proportioned body, which has enjoyed an extensive 12-month restoration to bring it back to showroom-like condition. The beautiful raspberry leather interior highlights a comfortable cockpit, surrounded by restored gauges, a period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM Radio, clock and matching crème dashboard. The car also features a rare, optional, 4-speed gearbox and Air Conditioning.  This SL is fitted with a distinctive black canvas top. 

The 280SL Pagoda is probably the nicest and most user-friendly sports cars from this era.  These Mercedes Roadsters perform wonderfully and have a fantastic ride quality as well as a true sports car driving sensation.  How did Mercedes Benz achieve that back in the 60’s; simply astonishing. 

The Fuel Injected 280SL is one of our favorite cars to have in the showroom. The only problem is these cars are getting harder to find, as many have returned to Europe and local collectors are reluctant to let them out of their possession.

The 280SL was manufactured from 1968 until 1971, and a total of 23,885 units were produced during its production run.  By today’s standard a VERY low number of cars, making them a true collector car. Producing only 143 units in 1967, the SL soared in popularity, and by 1969, the most productive year, banked at 8,047 units built.  A grand total of 12,924 models were available in the U.S., again a very low number.  Since 1990 many of these U.S. cars have found there way back to Europe where they are extremely sought after.

The nickname “Pagoda” was a reference to the shape of the hardtop roof.  Reminiscent of the shape of a Japanese style Pagoda, the roof center is slightly lower than the side. 

The 280SL utilizes a 2778cc, six-cylinder engine, with a seven bearing crankshaft.  Most of the cars were fitted with automatic transmission and the 4-speed manual gearbox was actually an option.  The SL could achieve a top speed of 121 mph, and could reach 0-60 in 9.3 seconds.

The engine in the 280SL had a mechanical Bosch fuel injection system, a cast alloy valve cover and a single overhead camshaft.

The Restoration started with an absolutely rust free, near perfect-bodied car.  The typical trunk area rust was not present and the floor panels appear to be completely original along with the floor pans.   The body was completely stripped to bare metal and painted with Glasurit Two-Stage Paint and has been color sanded to a deep and rich finish. The paint looks identical to the original type of paint that came on these cars.  The undercarriage is as nice as the exterior of the car, with everything brand new under the car.

The engine runs strong through the gears.  The Clutch is brand new and the vehicle shift is smooth and a lot of fun to run through the gears.   These cars are extremely user friendly, sporty yet refined enough for a commute in traffic.  The exhaust system and suspension is all brand new.  There appears to be nothing on this vehicle that was not replaced or restored.  The car drives down the road straight as an arrow and stops with ease. 

These little touring cars are perfectly balanced and uniquely a vehicle with a quiet confidence, with truly no competition. 

One would be hard pressed to find a nicer 280SL anywhere.