Every decade has its style icons. The 1960s brought us go-go boots, bouffant hairdos, and kipper ties, but none have aged nearly as well as the Mercedes-Benz W113 Series Roadsters. The W113 was the original “car as accessory.” It was expensive and impractical enough to demonstrate one’s wealth, but it was also small and zippy enough for easy motoring through city traffic. It was sporty enough to be fast and fun to drive, and it was also comfortable enough to be luxurious. The W113 was always appropriate for any occasion, and anyone looked good in it.

The original W113 design was the 230 SL. It was introduced in 1963 with the crisp, angular Paul Bracq styling and the “pagoda” removable hardtop, which would become the model’s signature. The original 150-horsepower six-cylinder grew in size over the decade, with the ultimate model being the 280 SL with the 180-horsepower, 2.8-liter engine, which was introduced in 1968 and built through to 1971. The 280 SL was the most popular W113, as it accounted for 23,885 cars.

The current owner of this car was told that the original owner took delivery in San Diego, California, and he owned homes in Connecticut, Palm Beach, London, and the Caribbean. The 280 SL went from San Diego to Palm Beach, where it would be recommissioned every year for the owner’s annual six-week sojourn, after which it would be returned to the garage. While there is no documentary evidence of this fascinating tale, the car has certainly been supremely well cared for over the years, as it shows just 52,000 believed actual miles and still retains a Palm Beach club’s parking sticker on its windshield.

During a recent restoration the car was refinished in a striking and correct shade of Mercedes Silver and contrasting Red upholstery. Great care was taken to retain the original “darts” and spot welds that enthusiasts of authenticity look for on these cars. The upholstery was upgraded from the original MB-Tex material to full, genuine leather, using correct original factory patterns, while the top fabric remains original. Importantly, the car is still equipped with not only the soft top but also its original pagoda hardtop. An original Becker radio has been rebuilt and installed, and it is fully functional.

The car is accompanied by its original manuals and related books, still in the original pouch, as well as its original tools and jack.

This lovely 280 SL has been well kept since new and has recently been refreshed to beautiful overall condition, ensuring that it remains very much in style and always in good taste.