Open Roads, February 2021
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda'
North American Offering
{{lr.item.text}}
$67,100 USD | Sold
| Stuart, Florida
{{internetCurrentBid}}
{{internetTimeLeft}}
- A timeless, elegant Mercedes-Benz design
- Powered by a 280 SE 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine
- Desirably equipped with four-speed manual transmission
- Dark Blue over a tan interior
- Accompanied by distinctive “Pagoda” removable body-color hardtop
Introduced in 1963, the sporty W113 series was a success for Mercedes-Benz. Designer Paul Bracq and engineer Béla Barényi, working under styling head Friedrich Geiger, created a car that was modern and safe, yet also elegant and timeless in appearance. In addition to its clean lines, it featured exquisite detailing inside and out, and a distinctive removable hardtop—the concave roof of which earned it the nickname “Pagoda.”
The W113 saw steady improvements over the course of its production run, and by the time this 1969 280 SL was built, the model featured a 168-horsepower 2.8-liter inline-six. In keeping with the car’s evolution from a relatively sporty roadster into a more luxurious grand tourer, an increasing number of American 280 SL buyers paired this engine with an automatic transmission. Consequently, the four-speed manual transmission, as fitted on this example, is particularly appreciated today for the additional degree of driving engagement it offers.
In addition to its four-speed transmission, this 280 SL benefits from an appealing color combination of Dark Blue over a tan interior, with an Ivory steering wheel adding a touch of contrast. The cabin retains its suite of classic VDO instrumentation, and an audio system with a modern Pioneer head unit is currently installed. It should be noted that at some point over the course of this car's life its engine was replaced with a period 280 SE block.
Displaying some patina from years of careful use and maintenance, this four-speed-equipped 1969 280 SL would be an ideal companion for drives in classic style. It is accompanied by the model’s signature “Pagoda” hardtop in body color-matching Dark Blue, along with original owner’s manuals and a partial tool roll.
