Mercedes-Benz introduced the 230SL in March of 1963, a replacement for the aging 190SL which had ceased production only one month earlier. Whereas the 190SL and 300SL were designed from, and meant to be, purebred sports cars, Mercedes worked to refine the 230SL to reflect sporting attributes with the comfort of a Grand Tourer.

Available in convertible or coupe versions, the car quickly garnered the nickname ‘pagoda’, a consequence of its pagoda-shaped roofline. Between 1963 and 1971, Pagodas were built with three different engine types: a 2,306-cc inline six 230SL from 1963 to 1967; the 2,496-cc inline six 250SL from 1966 to 1968; and the 2,778-cc inline six 280SL from 1967 to 1971, such as the car being offered.

Although the lightest of the new SLs weighed in at a hefty 2,800 pounds, as engine displacement increased, so too did straight-line performance. As a result, the most popular of the SLs (from the German “sports leight” or “light sports”) was the 280SL. Fast, comfortable, and stylish, they seemed the ideal personal sports car to many. Sadly, 1971 would prove to be the final year for this edition of the SL.

The example offered here received a restoration that was completed in 2013 that includes beautiful paintwork and a fresh interior. The 2.8-liter engine has been properly tuned; this unit is mated to an automatic transmission. Among the freshened systems are new exhaust, new battery, restored cooling system, front suspension rebuild, rear suspension bushings, complete brake system rebuild, plus all-new shocks and springs. The tires are the correct, original examples with the original matching spare. Finished in white with a blue interior and black removable top, it is a striking example. It also comes equipped with air conditioning, power steering and power brakes. A complete tool kit and owners manual are also included as is the hard top.

Mercedes-Benz’s SL roadsters have long been known to provide years of trouble free, open air motoring, and this excellent car should be no exception.