This car as been marked as 'sold' and is no longer for sale.
Back to Assured Listings

1971 Mercedes-Benz W113 280 SL with Black MB Tex (171)

Silver with Black MB Tex (171) / 280 SL

Reserved

Principal Facts:

1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Auto Pagoda (W113) Silver with Black Leather

68,315 miles

About the Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda:

Mercedes-Benz never intended the 300SL Gullwing to go into production as a road car. It was the Austrian-born, New York-based importer Max Hoffman who suggested the idea during a directors meeting in Stuttgart in 1953. With America enjoying a booming post-war economic period, the time was right to introduce a racing car for the road, aimed squarely at wealthy enthusiasts. An initial order of 1000 cars was planned, with the road car making it’s debut at the 1954 New York Auto Show.

With the 300SL, Mercedes-Benz and Max Hoffman had pioneered a new section of the market, but the high production costs of the 300SL resulted in a prohibitively high price tag. Mercedes-Benz wanted to capitalise on the racing success of the 300SL and the sales success of the road car – what they needed was a car that could inspire desire like the 300SL while borrowing heavily from the existing Mercedes-Benz parts resources

This new car had to had to have 100% of the beauty and 50% of the costs… Enter the 190SL.

The new ‘mass produced’ SL arrived in 1955 and would remain until 1963, utilising many of the styling cues that made the 300SL so desirable. With it’s four-cylinder engine and lower price tag than the 300SL, the 190SL was an instant sales hit. This was the car to own and be seen in. It cemented a new direction for Mercedes-Benz, and would begin the development of the SL as a model for the future.

Despite the success of the 190SL, the limitations of it’s performance were acknowledged by Mercedes-Benz as early as 1955. Offering just over 100bhp from the 1,897cc engine, company bosses knew that a 190SL replacement had to offer more substance for it’s style…

With the market established and driven by the success of the 190SL, the W113 SL was born.

Arriving in 1963, the new SL used a shortened W111 Fintail platform and technology from the new W112… hence W113.

The beautiful styling of the gently inwardly sloping roof would earn it the nickname ‘Pagoda’. Penned by Paul Bracq, this now iconic design is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars of all time.

The W113 ‘Pagoda’ was the first mass-produced SL to utilise a six-cylinder engine, and no car would combine an ‘SL’ badge with a four-cylinder engine until the SLK230 arrived some 33 years later.

Across the 9 years of Pagoda production, three different engines were available, with displacement and output growing accordingly.

The 230SL (148 hp) arrived in 1963 and remained until 1966, when it was replaced by the 250SL, which offered the same power output but increased torque from 145 lb ft to 159 lb ft. The 250SL lasted just 14 months before it was replaced by the 280SL (168hp) in 1967.

230SL 1963 to 1967 (148 hp, 145 lb ft)
250SL 1966 to 1968 (148 hp, 159 lb ft)
280SL 1967 to 1971 (168 hp, 180lb ft)

(It should be noted that USA cars operated with reduced power thanks to the stringent emissions regulations at the time.)

Almost 49,000 Mercedes-Benz Pagoda cars were produced between 1963 and 1971, with nearly half that number destined for the USA.

Today the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda is a well established classic car, adored by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

For many, the ultimate Pagoda is a European Right Hand Drive 280SL Automatic. These cars offer the very best of Pagoda technology, being the final incarnation of the W113. Although the manual-gearbox cars are in demand, for many of us the pure simplicity and ease of use that comes with a 4-speed automatic transmission makes touring in a Pagoda an absolute delight.

This is a car that can be admired and adored on the most exclusive boardwalks the globe has to offer, yet that can comfortably cruise at 80mph and contend with modern traffic. With enough driver and passenger conveniences to make winter touring possible, plenty of luggage space and being such an easy car to drive, it’s no surprise that the Pagoda is more in demand than ever.

About this Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Pagoda:

This beautiful 280SL Automatic shows a genuine mileage reading of just 68,000, backed up by a significant amount of paperwork, MOT certificates and tax discs all dating back to 1971. Finished in the ultimate colour combination, this Silver with Black 2.8 litre SL was never going to last long in our showroom.

This car was secured by a client before reaching the website.

Similar cars required.

Condition Synopsis:

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.  

History File:

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.  
  • 68315
  • 1971
  • Manual
  • Silver
  • Black MB Tex (171)
  • Petrol

SELL YOUR CLASSIC MERCEDES-BENZ HERE

WHY CHOOSE SLSHOP?

The world’s largest Classic Mercedes-Benz destination.

BUYING SUPPORT

Assured is not just a service or a product, it’s a promise. A promise that we make to our customers that gives them the confidence to purchase the car of their dreams. We will offer you support on every step of your journey.

Transport

SLSHOP can deliver your car to your home, business or we can store it for you.

Finance

Our Finance partners provide market leading bespoke, competitive financing.

Workshop Service Plans

Allow us to take onward care of your prized investment.

Do More with your Benz

Join us on a mini meet, open day or tour.

INDUSTRY TRUSTED

I have followed SLSHOP with interest for some years now and recently took the plunge and purchased my dream car – they did not disappoint!
The whole experience from start to finish was superb. Their communication was excellent and they kept me
informed every step of the way. Thank you and I look forward to my next purchase!

I have just purchased a 280SL from SLSHOP. I have already purchased several parts from SLSHOP and have found all members of staff most helpful and it is more like dealing with a club than a commercial enterprise I would highly recommend using SLSHOP for cars, parts and most importantly impartial advice.

They put up with my indecision, inexperience and last minute demands and my car is the best thing I’ve ever bought. The most impressive thing about them is the after care though. Nothing is ever too much trouble and they’ve given me the best advice to make sure I get the most out of my car. Can you tell I’m obsessed with them all?

This car as been marked as 'sold' and is no longer for sale.