1968 Mercedes-Benz W113 280 SL #2053

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda (W113)

Midnight Blue (904) with Grey Leather and Blue Fabric Soft Top

The 280SL was the final incarnation of the Pagoda series of SL, replacing the 250SL in 1967 and continuing until the introduction of the R107 in 1971. The introduction of the larger 2.8 litre M130 engine was hailed by many as the ultimate Pagoda thanks to the car now having the power to suit the sublime Paul Bracq styled silhouette;, with 168hp available from the Single Overhead Cam inline six.

This beautiful 280SL Pagoda was ordered new in Pennsylvania, United States back in 1968.

In 2014, when the car was a mere 46 years young, it was shipped to Germany where it was subject to what can only be described as a nut and bolt restoration.

Every part of this car has been taken care of to an extremely high standard, with the end goal being concours condition and ultimate Pagoda perfection. The body shell was totally rebuilt, and the underside powder coated. Zinc plated bolts were used, with the entire underneath of the car then detailed to show standard. This build is evidenced by photos and receipts which can be browsed on request. Also accompanying the car is the original green service book, manuals and brown plastic sleeve wallet.

From the factory this car would have been painted ‘Blue 287’, however during the 2014 restoration the decision was made to go with ‘Midnight Blue 904’. 287 is a lighter shade of blue, and we believe the move to the darker 904 gives the car a much more luxurious look and feel. The leather and carpets have been finished to the exact specification of the factory originals, something that is critically important to Pagoda connoisseurs world-wide.

Whilst the body shell was rebuilt, the car was given a ‘euro look’, which involved removing the side repeaters alongside the headlights and replacing the American specification bumpers with more subtle European units. As the American impact regulations increased, elegant cars were often aesthetically compromised by the forced addition of these ‘impact’ bumpers – changing a Pagoda to the European style is a very popular modification for USA cars.

Along with the move to Euro specification exterior, another key upgrade this car now enjoys is an improved stereo. Discreet additional speakers were added, all the while being careful to consider the period look of the car whilst aiming to make touring even more enjoyable.

Recently this car has spent many hours in our workshops, undergoing a complete overhaul of the injection system with new injectors and a refurbished injection pump. We can now state that this Pagoda drives exactly as a 280SL should have done on the day it left the factory.

This can only be described as the perfect 280SL, capable of cold starts, motorway cruising and everything in between.

A car to be enjoyed, admired and appreciated for many years to come.

This Mercedes-Benz has been hand-picked by SLSHOP’s sales team due to its high calibre status. Every inch of this vehicle’s exterior, interior and mechanicals have been inspected by SLSHOP’s workshops to ensure the vehicle meets our world leading standards. While every effort has been made to offer pristine vehicles, there will be some age-related marks, unless otherwise stated.

We advise interested parties to join us for a coffee to peruse the documentation accompanying this vehicle. There are servicing records and invoices, MOT and tax records dating back many years and as such must be viewed in person.