The elegant styling and undeniable appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “Pagoda” made the German two-seater popular at the time of its first availability in the 1960s, and its long-lasting charm has sustained demand as a coveted collector car ever since.

Introduced in 1963 as the 230 SL, the new-generation W113 Mercedes-Benz roadster was designed by Paul Bracq; the model earned its “Pagoda” nickname thanks to the distinctive concave removable hardtop that owners could install for all-weather driving. The 280 SL represents the last iteration of the beloved W113 model, with its larger-displacement 2.8-liter version of the inline-six engine and a host of other refinements over its predecessors.

During the model’s final year of production in 1971, just 830 examples of the highly refined 280 SL were completed and sold. Most desirable among these very late US-market cars are those with an automatic transmission and air-conditioning system, followed closely by those fitted with a four-speed manual transmission. A highway-friendly, five-speed gearbox was also offered to customers outside the US, but these are exceedingly rare.

Presented in the factory-correct color combination of Signal Red (568) over Cognac leather, this very late-production US-market 280 SL was completed at Sindelfingen in September 1970 and came fitted from the factory with a full suite of desirable amenities. These included a matching “Pagoda” hardtop, Becker Europa radio, automatic transmission, and a Frigiking air-conditioning system, making it an ideal choice for cruising along a favorite stretch of road in the peak of summer.

This longtime California car was completely restored under prior ownership by marque specialist Scott Melnick of Calabasas, California, according to the consignor. The results speak for themselves—correct and accurately detailed throughout, this "Pagoda" is a lovely sight to behold. The engine bay, undercarriage, and suspension are all finished to the same high standard as the exterior of the car, while the rich Cognac upholstery and crisp black convertible top complete a profile that beckons to be enjoyed on the open road. The car rides on an attractive set of thin whitewall tires wrapped around steel wheels adorned with color-matched hub covers.

This exceptionally late 1971 280 SL "Pagoda" is now offered from 16 years of ownership within the consignor’s esteemed collection, having been faithfully and routinely maintained by a private mechanic using OEM parts from leading suppliers.

At the time of cataloguing, the car’s odometer indicated fewer than 3,500 miles traveled since its fantastic restoration by Melnick. A timeless classic that has only become more desirable as years have passed, this attractive 280 SL is a delightful example of this storied “Pagoda.”