To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Fort Lauderdale event, April 1-3, 2016.

Chassis No.
11304412022963

Estimate:
$ 90,000 - $110,000 US

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, the 230SL - or W113 as the model range was internally labeled at Mercedes-Benz – was really a completely new car through and through. A truly modern car for its time and constructed to the high level of craftsmanship expected from a Mercedes-Benz product, the model quickly became a very popular sporty two-seater among the elite. Mercedes-Benz would call the W113 "a Grand Tourer in the traditional sense" and "a unique combination of sports car performance and saloon car comfort." Many of the design and technical features were industry firsts, including the hardtop designed to withstand the cars weight for safety reasons, and with a distinct design from where the W113 series got the nickname 'Pagoda'.

After the 230SL, next came the 250SL, which had about 200-cc more capacity than its predecessor; after that, both were replaced by the ultimate evolution, the 280SL, which was introduced in 1967. The enlarged 2.8- liter six-cylinder SOHC now produced 170 horsepower, and the car was outfitted with disc brakes at all four corners.

This 280 SL is largely in unrestored condition with an impressive documentation file, which includes maintenance and service history, records of minor repairs, and a copy of the factory build sheet. An extensive check-up took place in 2015 with the following executed: major tune-up, cold and hot compression check with leakage test after complete rebuild of the fuel injection pump. The result is that the car starts, runs and shifts according to factory specs.

Finished in a spectacular color combination; the classically rich Bronze Brown over Cognac interior, it is reported as one of 830 sold in 1971 with 520 delivered new in the United States. Delivered by the Mercedes-Benz Dealer, Jim Bess, Inc. in Canoga Park, California to the original owner at the end of 1970; first service took place in June 1971 at Mercedes-Benz of Downtown Los Angeles. It was then sold to the second owner (and last) in the early 1980. The car was repainted in April 1993 in its original color.

Equipped with an automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, radio, leather upholstery and comes with the removable “Pagoda” hardtop. Included with the purchase are Mercedes-Benz dealer maintenance and service receipts, the original service booklet, a file of 280SL information and key sets.

To drive one of these iconic 'Pagoda' Mercedes is a clear reminder of how far ahead of their contemporaries the company really was. It provides an aesthetic classic with a surprisingly modern driving experience, and it is easy to see why these cars are so well appreciated for these attributes. The ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes-Benz has proven itself as a timeless piece of automotive history.

The classic ‘Pagoda’ models are becoming increasingly collectible, featuring exceptional build quality and low maintenance, easy access to spare parts and all around just a great collectors car.
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster