As the 300SL and 190SL production ended in the early 1960s, Mercedes-Benz consolidated the SL sports car concept into a single line. The 300SL was already a legend, but it was complex and expensive to produce. The 190SL was high on style but lacked the performance to challenge more sporting competitors. When launched in 1963, the new W113 series aimed to blend style, sophistication, and performance at a more reasonable price point. Like the 190SL before it, the new 230SL chassis shared standard components with the contemporary sedan line to keep production costs in check. Mercedes-Benz’s design team, led by the brilliant Paul Bracq, created a crisp, minimally-adorned monocoque body with exquisite detailing. From day one, the W113 was designed with a removable hardtop, to which Bracq added a subtle concave top panel, earning it the nickname “Pagoda.”

Upon introduction, the new SL was a sports car like no other on the market, combining the open-air experience of a traditional roadster with the insulated comfort and practicality of a continental GT cruiser. It boasted a spacious, comfortable cockpit, capacious boot, was built to Mercedes typical vault-like quality, and delivered impressive performance in a refined and understated package.

The final evolution of the W113 arrived in 1968 with the 2.8-liter 280SL. While the 280SL is less aggressive than some of its competitors, it is surprisingly capable when the going gets twisty, thanks to a finely tuned independent front/swing-axle rear suspension. The robust Bosch-injected overhead-cam inline-six produced ample torque, and while the vast majority of cars left the factory gates equipped with a four-speed automatic, a 4-speed manual was optional, providing a sporty edge to the SL’s relaxed GT-like demeanor. Beautifully refined and with build quality that only a Mercedes-Benz can boast, the 280SL is a lively and enjoyable sports car that effortlessly plays the role of a sophisticated grand tourer.

This superb Pagoda Roadster is one of the best examples we’ve had the pleasure to offer, benefitting from a highly detailed, nut-and-bolt restoration performed by SL Classics in Düren, Germany. According to the accompanying Data Card, this car retains its original, matching-numbers engine and is equipped from new with the rare and desirable four-speed manual gearbox. Starting with an excellent original car as a basis, the skilled technicians at SL Classics stripped it down completely, coating the shell and all body panels in KTL anti-corrosive coating before refinishing it to better-than-new standards in the original shade of DB350 Mittelblau. The blue paintwork is pleasingly accented a gray-beige painted hardtop, repeating on the wheel covers. Every piece of brightwork and trim is new or restored to perfection, and the car is properly equipped with European headlamps.

The cabin is trimmed in beautiful parchment leather, accented with dark blue square-weave carpets and seatbacks. As with the body, the interior is meticulously restored to factory-fresh standards, using only the finest parts and period-correct materials. The dark blue Sonnendeck canvas roof is superb and fits precisely. Details include a factory VDO clock, Becker Grand Prix radio, and authentically detailed boot. The car has only seen moderate use since the restoration, and the cabin remains fresh and crisply presented.

Restoration photos reveal that SL Classics rebuilt all mechanical components, including the engine, 4-speed manual gearbox, and rear differential, which were assembled and detailed to exacting factory standards. Every nut, bolt, and fastener is correctly restored in yellow zinc-chromate plating, and the engine bay is highly detailed with proper finishes, decals, and ancillaries. The undercarriage is fully protected with textured Schutz undercoating as original and fully painted in body color to a high standard. Suspension components are beautifully refinished in satin black and affixed with restored hardware. The car has seen occasional use since the 2015 restoration and remains exceptionally clean underneath. Extensive restoration photos, a specially produced hardbound book documenting the car’s transformation, and the original tool roll accompany the sale.

With its desirable specification, beautiful color combination, and stunning restoration by a renowned marque specialist, this exquisite 280SL is sure to satisfy the most demanding Mercedes-Benz collector seeking a Pagoda that is as crisp and elegant as the day it rolled off the showroom floor.

Offers welcome and trades considered 

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