1971 MERCEDES BENZ 280SL

This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a left-hand-drive US-market example finished in Dark Green over a Brown leather interior, showing 82,535 miles. As the final model year of the W113 “Pagoda” series, this 280SL represents the most refined iteration of a design that has earned its place among the most desirable sporting Mercedes-Benz models of the postwar era.

The W113 series, produced from 1963 to 1971, succeeded the legendary 300SL and 190SL as Mercedes-Benz’s primary sports car offering. Development began in the late 1950s under the direction of chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, with styling by Paul Bracq creating the distinctive silhouette that remains immediately recognizable today. The model’s signature design element, the concave hardtop with raised edges at the roofline, earned the “Pagoda” nickname that has endured for over six decades. The 280SL, introduced in 1968, was the third and final variant following the 230SL and 250SL, fitted with the largest displacement engine and incorporating refinements accumulated over eight years of production. Total 280SL production reached approximately 23,885 units before the series concluded in March 1971, making this final-year example part of the last cohort produced before the R107 successor arrived.

The exterior presents in Dark Green, a period-appropriate color that suits the clean lines of Bracq’s design. Chrome bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds provide contrast against the solid paintwork. The front grille features the traditional Mercedes-Benz vertical slats with the prominent three-pointed star badge. Body-colored 14-inch wheels are fitted with factory hubcaps and bright trim rings, wearing whitewall tires that complement the classic presentation. The roadster configuration allows for open-air motoring, with the soft top providing weather protection when required.

Power comes from the 2.8-liter M130 inline-six, a mechanically fuel-injected engine producing 170 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, derived from competition applications, delivers smooth throttle response and reliable cold starting. This example is paired with an automatic transmission, providing relaxed cruising characteristics suited to the grand touring nature of the 280SL. The chassis features fully independent suspension with double wishbones at the front and a low-pivot swing axle at the rear, with coil springs and telescopic dampers at all four corners. Braking is handled by front disc brakes paired with rear drums, incorporating a servo-assisted dual-circuit hydraulic system. The 280SL’s reputation for mechanical durability  has contributed to strong survival rates, and examples from the final production year benefit from all accumulated refinements to the W113 platform.

If you are looking for a stunning car that has been meticulously cared for its entire life and comes with detailed documentation, look no further.