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1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

I’ve been meaning to write up a W113 SL for some time now, and with it being Labor Day weekend, I thought there’s no time like the present. The “Pagoda SL” is the perfect convertible and every time I see one in person it stops me dead in my tracks. Doesn’t matter if the hardtop is on, the convertible top up or down, the car is beautiful in any of its 3 forms, and even the U.S. mandated bumpers can’t ruin the look of the thing, it’s just so damned pretty!

The W113 had a good run from 1963-1971 with 19,440 sold here in the States, but it was the ’68-’71 280SL that really captured people’s hearts. More than half of the 23,885 280s built came to America, though the majority of them were fitted with an automatic transmission. In addition to the really cool color combo on this example, you’ll also find a 4 speed manual, which is the key to making your classic grand touring fantasies come true. As summer turns to fall, imagine spending an evening out with this car on a quiet two lane stretch of blacktop, cool air all around you, the M130 straight six humming away. You come up on a perfect lefthand sweeper with a little camber, downshift to 3rd, turn in, nail the apex, shoot out of the corner, and shift back up to 4th. That sequence right there is why you don’t bother with an automatic transmission on a car like this. Unless of course you just want it for a show piece vs a means of achieving moments of automotive nirvana.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Year: 1970
Model: 280SL
Engine: 2.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 137,498 mi
Price: $84,995 OBO

There are three reasons I chose to write up this particular W113, though the most important one may surprise you. The 280 was the SL that finally got the power it deserved with the M130 cranking out 170hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, and this one has that all important 3rd pedal, but neither of those things are what makes this car standout. It’s the outstanding original color combo of White and Olive Green. So many of these cars are White/Blue or White/Red, both of which are certainly good looking in their own right, but I’ll be damned if the Olive Green isn’t the perfect combo. The seller notes that the car was stripped down in 1987, resprayed, and had a new convertible top fitted as well. The interior of the car is original and it appears to have a perfect patina.

I could gush over the aesthetic of this thing all day, I really could. White and Olive Green?! Come on, it’s almost too good. It needs period correct Vermont plates, it needs them so badly. Current one would look OK, but ’69-’71 plates would be perfect. I know I keep using that word a lot in this post, but that’s really how I see this car. Even the asking price is pretty good, especially since these cars are going nowhere but up in value. Hagerty places a Tier 2 example at $96,800 and Tier 3 at $70,400, I’d say this one falls somewhere in between, as many classics often do. It has the added value of being certified as a numbers matching car, by the Mercedes-Benz Classics Center and it has that awesome original service booklet documenting everything from the day it sold in Devon, PA, right up until it was restored in the late 80s. If you are in the market for a Pagoda, this example has to be one of your best options. There are likely all original examples with fewer miles out there, but you’ll be hard pressed to find one that checks all the boxes that this one does. Big motor, 3 pedals, service history, absolutely gorgeous color combo. Yep, this one is a winner, time to empty the ‘ol piggy bank. Or in my case, just scroll through the many high quality photos the seller has taken for the umpteenth time.

-Andrew

5 Comments

  1. Early8q
    Early8q September 6, 2015

    Oh wow! I totally agree with you! It’s a beauty, but it’s that green that drives it right over the top!!! I don’t particularly like white cars, but this one is just drop dead beautiful with the green top and leather!

  2. John
    John September 6, 2015

    It’s one of those cars that can pull off almost any color combo!! Classy.

  3. Carter
    Carter September 7, 2015

    My father has a ’71 4-speed. It’s entertaining to drive, but not quickly really. The rear suspension setup makes it really a bit of a handful and the short wheelbase doesn’t help. On the highway, you’ll wish for the 5th cog since it winds out around a noisy 4,000 rpms at highway speed. But it makes a great noise and is certainly great to cruise in. At Lime Rock Concours yesterday, there were quite a few nice examples, but the one that still turns my head is the mint metallic green with tan leather. What a stunning color on those. Light cream is a close second, but then red examples with black accents always look good too….John is right!

  4. Rick
    Rick September 7, 2015

    There’s a lot wrong here. First notice how the carpet clashes with the upholstery. That’s because the carpet has been replaced with incorrect materials. The original interior color isn’t olive green but more of a forest green.
    The engine compartment has been “tarted up” with a quick respray. Firewall pad is a replacement item, but it has been cut up and is missing coverage in some areas. Clamps are wrong. Finishes are wrong, etc.
    Soft top is apparently olive green, which is wrong also.
    I have a ’69 in DB180 Silver over green tex. I agree that green is a striking combination but it needs to be done correctly. The mismatches spoil this one.

  5. Woodie Man
    Woodie Man September 8, 2015

    Everytime I see one I think of my Euro 67′ 230SL..maroon and tan. T-boned and totaled for the princely sum of six grand I think in 1986 or so. The rust under the front fender exposed by the accident was unreal. In my humble opinion one of the most beautiful cars ever designed

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