Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda

The Story / Description of this
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda

This is a pristine, unrestored Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda, imported from the United States in 2008. The car retains all of its original components and had 38,128 original miles at the time of import.

Key features include the original headlight notches, a factory-installed firewall pad, a Firestone Phoenix spare tire, a soft top, the interior, a rust-free undercarriage, and a complete tool kit, service book, and manual kit.

The factory spot welds on both sides of the fenders confirm their originality, and the car has never been involved in any accidents.

Currently, the odometer shows just 38,533 original miles!
 

General information of Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113, often referred to as the "Pagoda," is one of the most iconic classic cars produced by Mercedes-Benz. It was produced from 1967 to 1971 as part of the W113 series, succeeding the 230 SL and 250 SL models. The "Pagoda" nickname comes from the concave shape of the removable hardtop roof, which resembles the curved roofline of Far Eastern pagodas.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 280 SL W113 Pagoda:

1. Design

• Exterior: The W113 series was designed by Paul Bracq and featured clean, sharp lines with subtle curves, giving the car a timeless look. The 280 SL retained the elegant design but was given slight refinements, such as larger bumpers and minor interior updates. The car’s bodywork was designed to be both sporty and elegant, making it versatile for both daily use and grand touring.
• Hardtop/Soft-top: The 280 SL came with a removable hardtop (the "Pagoda") and a foldable soft top, allowing for a convertible experience.
• Safety: The W113 series was one of the first cars to incorporate a "safety body" with crumple zones and a rigid passenger compartment for added safety, an innovation at the time.

2. Engine and Performance

• Engine: The 280 SL was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six M130 engine, producing around 170 hp and 244 Nm (180 lb-ft) of torque. It was an upgrade over the previous 230 SL and 250 SL models, offering more power and improved performance.
• Transmission: Buyers could choose between a 4-speed manual transmission, a 4-speed automatic, or the less common 5-speed manual.
• Performance: The 280 SL had a top speed of around 200 km/h (124 mph) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in approximately 9 seconds, making it a very capable car for its era.
• Suspension: The car featured an independent rear suspension, which improved ride comfort and handling compared to many other cars of the time.

3. Interior

• The 280 SL’s interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like leather seats, wood trim, and chrome accents. Mercedes paid great attention to craftsmanship, with a focus on comfort and style. The dashboard design was clean and functional, with large, easy-to-read gauges.
• The seats were comfortable, making it suitable for long drives, and the interior had ample space for two passengers with some luggage behind the seats.

4. Driving Experience

• The 280 SL is praised for its smooth driving dynamics. The inline-six engine provided strong mid-range torque, and the car's relatively light weight gave it good handling characteristics. While it wasn't a hardcore sports car, it offered a balance of comfort, speed, and agility, making it a great grand tourer.
• The steering is precise, and the suspension, although slightly firm, provides a comfortable ride.

5. Collectibility and Value

• The 280 SL Pagoda is highly sought after by classic car enthusiasts and collectors. Its timeless design, combined with its build quality and performance, makes it a prized possession. Original, well-maintained examples with matching numbers (where the engine and body are original) command high prices at auctions and in the classic car market.
• In recent years, values for the 280 SL have continued to rise, with some pristine examples fetching six-figure prices, depending on the car's condition, history, and specifications.

6. Notable Features

• Pagoda Roof Design: The concave roof design, unique to the W113 series, wasn’t just for aesthetics but also for practicality, offering more headroom and making it easier to get in and out of the car.
• Advanced Safety: The car was ahead of its time with features like crumple zones and reinforced passenger compartments.

7. Legacy

• The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda remains one of the most iconic cars from the brand, representing a blend of classic 1960s style and engineering excellence. It paved the way for future SL models and remains a symbol of elegance and engineering.

In summary, the 280 SL Pagoda is cherished not only for its beauty and performance but also for its innovation, build quality, and heritage. It’s a car that embodies the craftsmanship and luxury associated with Mercedes-Benz, and its appeal has only grown over time.

Details
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 Pagoda

Year: 11 / 1970
Paintwork: Dark Red #576, The black hardtop and hubcaps #040
Interior: 131 Black MB-Tex upholstery
Gearing Type: 420 Automatic transmission
Mileage: 38533
Power: 170 HP
Fuel: Petrol
Price: Contact us