1970 Mercedes-Benz W113 280 SL with Red Leather

Mercedes-Benz 280SL finished in Anthracite Grey  Metallic (172) with Red Leather & Dark Red Soft Top

‘’The fresh, vivid redness of the seat, dash and steering wheel boss was so delicious I almost wanted to lick it.’’

Those interested in acquiring a 280Sl Pagoda will be familiar with the common declarations by different sales teams when they say this is truly the ‘finest example’ of a Pagoda. Where we differ is that we pride ourselves in consistently offering ONLY the finest examples available on the market; each of them receiving the same level of love and admiration from our Sales and Workshop teams.

This 280SL is possibly one of our greatest achievements. Built from the ground up for a friend of SLSHOP, we are delighted to be able to bring this 280SL back from South Africa and to the European RHD market on behalf of its current owner, who hopes it will go to a new owner with time to enjoy it.

WHAT MAKES THIS 280SL OUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

We uncovered this 280SL in a barn in Somerset, where it had languished for years bereft of love and attention – a wedding present that only went on to be part of an ongoing divorce settlement. With matching factory engine and chassis numbers, we acquired the vehicle for a friend and SLSHOP customer who wanted to build their own 280SL Pagoda.

Years of neglect meant that rust had to be dealt with before new panels and floor pans could be fitted. The 280SL’s body was then covered in a high zinc primer before being oven cured to secure years of rust protection. The body was then painted in Anthracite Grey (172), replacing the traditional Silver Grey (180) the Pagoda was originally produced in.

Inside, the interior was completely retrimmed in a vibrant Red Leather, with matching dash, steering wheel boss, carpets, and seat belts. The newly constructed ‘’pert [seat] bases and backrests delivered the ideal height and firmness’’ for the driver and passenger. We can confirm that given this 280SL’s minor use since handing over the keys only 18 months ago, the seats still possess the firmness expected of a newly restored 280SL.

PAGODA SETUP

All SLSHOP restored and original Pagodas go through our Pagoda Setup program to ensure they drive better than when produced. Our Heritage Craftsmen understand exactly how to tune the engine to perform exceptionally, and how to adjust the suspension to offer the most comfortable, spirited ride. This 280SL is no exception. So much so that the Editor of Classic Mercedes Magazine, David Sutherland declared:

‘’I’ve driven possibly the best SL Pagoda I’ve ever come across.’’

We spent months setting this Pagoda up to be driven, which is precisely what we hope for its future now it has become available again. Interested parties should be excited by the prospect of this 280SL, which has been configured in a unique colour specification; with the engine and suspension setup to provide a ‘’delightfully settled ride’’ and absorb bumps beautifully. The four-speed automatic gearbox has been certified by our resident gearbox expert, Paul Smith, who confirms the shift is smooth and kick down spot on.

For more information on this 280SL, read David Sutherland’s assessment of the vehicle from 2021.

Speak to [email protected] to discuss this vehicle further or request a video consultation.