One of the finest unrestored Pagodas we’ve encountered, presented with its original numbers matching engine, finely preserved original interior, and largely original paint. Desirable final-year model, recently sorted by a marque specialist and ready to enjoy in shows and driving events.
This highly desirable, late-production 1971 280 SL is a superb, unrestored example and one of the finest of its kind we have had the pleasure to offer. Recently out of long-term ownership, this car spent many years carefully preserved in an extensive collection of significant sports cars. It presents in its original color combination of metallic red (Code 571H) over a black MB-Tex interior (Code 131) with a matching color-keyed hardtop, and a black soft-top (Code 740). An original US-spec car, this Pagoda came well-equipped from new with power steering, automatic gearbox, Becker Europa radio, heated rear glass and the optional side-facing jump seat. It is believed that the metallic red paint is nearly all original, and it presents in outstanding condition with beautifully crisp lines and exceptionally straight panels. There is a small amount of checking in the hardtop paint, while the remainder of the body is excellent. Gaps are consistent, and the doors close with the positive vault-like feel that defines Mercedes-Benz quality of the era. Importantly, the subtle “notches” where the fenders meet the headlight trims are still perfectly visible, as are the factory welds, both critical elements of unmolested body and paintwork on a W113. Exterior brightwork is superb, with straight bumpers, anodized window trims and color-coded full wheel covers on correct steel wheels.
