Fast Facts:

• Delivered into the United Kingdom, previously purchased in Hong Kong and moving alongside its owner through the United States before arriving in Australia in 2008

• Right-hand drive automatic with both Pagoda hardtop and folding soft top

The Details:

This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is an elegant example of the celebrated W113 ‘Pagoda’, finished in metallic blue over a matching dark blue interior and showing 39,424 miles. 

Introduced in 1963, the Mercedes-Benz W113 replaced both the 190 SL and 300 SL Roadster, combining sporting performance with the comfort, refinement and engineering for which the marque was renowned. Designed under Friedrich Geiger, with contributions from Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, its distinctive concave removable hardtop inspired the enduring ‘Pagoda’ nickname. 

The 280 SL arrived in 1968 as the most powerful evolution of the series, remaining in production until 1971. Under the bonnet is a Mercedes-Benz 2.8-litre fuel-injected straight-six, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. 

Four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension contributed to impressive handling for the time, while aluminium construction for the bonnet, boot lid, door skins and tonneau cover helped keep weight down.

The seller understands that this car, reported to have originally been delivered into the UK, was purchased in Hong Kong by a previous owner, who subsequently took it to the United States and eventually Australia while relocating for work. 

The factory identification plate supports it being built to UK specification (code 622), in right-hand drive with the automatic transmission and power steering. It also records the original paint as Medium Blue Metallic (DB 396), with a matching factory hardtop. Its Australian Personally Imported Vehicle sticker is dated June 2008, and it now carries NSW registration SHRLYY. 

The 280SL is presented in a reported repainted, but factory consistent, metallic blue finish with a matching removable hardtop and folding soft top, chrome bumpers and brightwork and body matched wheel covers with polished trim. Some imperfections in the paintwork are noted, including slight dimples around the front bumper and sun marks on the hardtop, a small tear to the soft-top cover and some visible rust inside the boot and engine compartment. 

Inside, the cabin features dark blue upholstery and matching carpeting and dashboard trim, together with pleated seats and timber detailing along the dashboard. Traditional VDO instrumentation, a Kienzle clock and original Becker Europa radio, currently disconnected, complete the presentation. The heater is reported to intermittently remain stuck on hot. 

The car is understood to be accompanied by handbooks and partial service history, with receipts dating back to 1998. Its most recent service is reported to have been performed by Tsav Mech Automotive on 14 December 2024.

The seller has used the Pagoda as a Sunday driver on Sydney's Northern Beaches and reports that it drives well. While describing it as a beautiful car with considerable potential, they believe a full restoration would return it to its former glory.

This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL is a characterful example of the Pagoda, its unusually well-travelled history adding another layer to the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’ classic open-top tourer.

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