This is a recently serviced and beautiful example of the classic 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL that performs as well as it looks. This is fully optioned example with its soft top, the famous Pagoda styled hardtop, factory air conditioning and automatic transmission and comes complete with its tools, owner’s manual and data card. It is also the final year of the W113 production, making this the most desirable year. This is a rust-free example and would be a welcome addition to any collection.
The Pagodas are a touring and show favorite and in more demand now than ever before due to their engineering breakthroughs such as 4-wheel disc brakes and numerous safety innovations. Perhaps more importantly, the W113 series SLs drive much like a modern car and are relatively reliable. This series make for fantastic modern classics for weekly use.
The stunning design has kept the Pagodas on the top 10 best automotive design lists for decades. The inline-six, 4-speed automatic transmission, power steering and air conditioning make it a joy to drive. This Pagoda is one of just 277 US delivery cars produced in 1971, the final year of production. Mr. Fred Marcus of El Paso, TX acquired the Pagoda in 2021 from a California dealership and has had it recently fully serviced. Mr. Marcus is an avid collector and is known for the high level of care and maintenance of his collection.
This 280SL is presented today in its original and correct color combinations. The livery of this 280 SL is an older repaint in its original white (Paint Code 050) having beautiful luster and shine overall. There are several small scratches that are only noticeable upon close inspection. The chrome shows well overall with just a few minor imperfections in high use areas. There is a more noticeable small dent in the front grill. The color-matched white and chrome wheel covers show well and are wrapped in General GT Altimax Radials. The removable Pagoda hardtop is a gorgeous complement to the white livery and is finished in tobacco brown (Paint Code 423) with a beautiful luster and shine. The hardtop headliner does show some wear but is in nice overall condition. The exterior of the tobacco-colored German sailcloth soft top is in very nice condition overall. The interior of the cloth top does show some water stains and minor material separations. The exterior of this 280 SL is in overall beautiful condition and is ready to tour and show.
The beautiful MB-Tex tan interior is in very nice condition overall. The seats have been refinished correctly in tan and the dash and wood trim are in nice overall condition. The lighter tan carpet has also been replaced and is close to as-new condition. The gauges are all functioning as designed including the clock. The Frigiking air conditioning unit is in nice condition and works well. The radio is a newer Bluetooth unit, but the original Becker AM/FM radio accompanies the car. The interior of this Pagoda is in nice condition and shows well.
The engine compartment is home to the wonderfully performing and high-revving 2.8 Liter, 180 hp, Bosch fuel injected inline six-cylinder motor. The engine compartment has been well detailed and shows beautifully overall. The 2.8 Liter power is transferred to the rear wheels through its 4-speed automatic transmission. This SL also benefits from power steering and power assisted four-wheel disc brakes.
This 280 SL comes complete with the owner’s manuals (with pouch), complete tool kit with its tool roll, a copy of its factory data card, spare tire with its original unused Phoenix radial, jack, tire iron, original Becker AM/FM radio (in its box) and several recent service and repair records. The engine compartment has the correct spot welds for the fenders and the hardtop and hood have the correct chassis number identifiers. This collectable and beautifully designed Pagoda would fit well in most any automotive collection.
We have this beautiful 280SL priced well. The Hagerty Value is $149,000 for a No. 2 Condition example and $95,200 for a No. 3 Condition example (after adjusting for AC). This is what we would call a 2-. See the details here: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Base | Hagerty Valuation Tools
For more information and details, please call or text Chip Henson at +1.602.509.4776 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 280 SL Pagoda is available for inspection at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.
