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 improvements 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.

Presented in its factory-correct color combination of Silver Grey Metallic (180) over black leather with charcoal grey carpets, this very late-production US-market 280 SL is offered today from a quarter-century of prized ownership within the consignor’s collection of important Mercedes-Benz models.

Completed at Sindelfingen in February 1971, this came from the factory with a full suite of desirable amenities which included a driver’s side mirror, black fabric top, a Becker Europa radio, automatic transmission, power steering, the 2+0 “true coupe” seating configuration, and a Frigiking air conditioning system (fitted early in its life)—making it an ideal choice for cruising along a favorite stretch of road in the peak of summer.

The car’s original, factory-issued “Pagoda” hardtop has followed it to the present, and as such has the correct electric defroster module for the glass window and is of the correct “chrome moldings” type, which can accept various factory accessories such as a ski rack or luggage rack. The presentation remains a strong suit of this particular SL, as it also still shows properly with the same type of color-matched chrome hubcaps, sealed beam headlamps, manual windows, and US-spec bumpers with which it departed Sindelfingen when new.

The car was reportedly treated to a single repaint in its original color just before entering the consignor’s care in 2000. Inspection has also revealed that the engine block is a correct-type, late-production replacement that has been restamped to match the serial of the car’s original unit. In addition to its hardtop, this lovely 1971 “Pagoda” is accompanied by a spare, tool roll, and owner’s manual.

A timeless classic that has only become more desirable as years have passed, this attractive and remarkably preserved 280 SL is likely a wonderful example of the storied “Pagoda.”