1969 | Mercedes-Benz 280SL

Introduced in March 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show, the W113-generation Mercedes-Benz SL succeeded the famous 300SL Gullwing and the 190 SL that followed. The W113-generation SL was also referred to as the ‘Pagoda’ due to the design of the top roof section, which reminded Mercedes engineers of the unique concave roofs seen on Asian temples. Initially debuting as the 230 SL with a 2.3-litre inline-six engine under the hood, the 280 SL arrived in 1968 with a larger 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine, giving a much-needed boost in power and slightly faster speed - though despite the performance ‘increase’, it remained focused on fulfilling the mission of a smooth and comfortable long-distance tourer.

Featured on Sotheby’s Motorsport is this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, highlighted by a Blue exterior paired with a coordinated Blue interior and softop convertible roof. Offered by its current long-term owner of over 50 years, it has seen multiple body color changes leading to its current Blue finish, matched by the coordinated Mercedes-Benz wheel hubcaps and hardtop roof. The appearance of this 280SL Pagoda further stands out with various exterior chrome features, including the side wheel arches, front and rear exterior bumpers, side door handles, windshield wipers, and exterior light surrounding trim. 

Blue colors further extend into the interior, on the leather seats, side door panels, footwell and rear carpeting, along with the top and lower dashboard sections. Both occupants benefit from added comfort and security, with the addition of rear head restraints and equipped lap-mounted seatbelts. Only small signs of classic car patina are noted on minor sections of the dashboard and chrome trim, but none seriously affecting the functions and appearance of this classic Mercedes’s cabin. An aftermarket Sony AM/FM radio-cassette head unit, in-car audio speakers, and a non-original leather gear shift knob are present modifications.

Powering this W113-gen SL is a 2.8L inline-six cylinder engine, reported to have been previously rebuilt by a Mercedes-Benz Canada workshop. A four-speed automatic transmission drives power to the rear wheels. Further mechanical benefits to this SL include the installation of new suspension components and brake system for enhanced driver inputs. 

The car now shows just over 50k miles, and a key, removable hardtop roof, car cover, spare time, service records, and an Ontario, Canada license plate (for show display) accompany the sale of this 280SL. The next keeper will be delighted to take this postwar era Mercedes under their care for any number of leisure drives or classic car gatherings. 

Engine and Drivetrain:
 

• Rebuilt 2.8L inline-six cylinder engine 
• 4-speed automatic transmission
   

Exterior Highlights:
 

• Blue paint finish
• Color-coordinated Mercedes-Benz hubcaps 
• Color-coordinated softop convertible roof 
• Color-coordinated fixed hardtop roof 
• Front and rear exterior chrome bumpers 
• Chrome exhaust tips 
• Chrome wheel arches 
• Chrome door handles 
• Chrome exterior light surrounds (headlights, side markers, rear tailights)
• ‘280SL’ exterior badging
   

Interior Highlights:
 

• Blue manually-adjustable leather seats with color-matched lap belts and head restraints 
• Blue leather side door panels
• Blue leather dashboard padding 
• Blue interior carpeting 
• White leather headlining 
• Black-rimmed Mercedes steering wheel 
• Chrome instrument cluster surrounds 
• Chrome handbrake lever
• Air vents 
• Defroster 

 

• SONY AM/FM radio cassette unit 
• Afermarket in-car audio speakers
• Aftermarket leather gear shift knob 
• Blue exterior body respray 

 

• Seller’s Disclosure
• Partial service records/invoices from current ownership 
• Undercarriage photos 
   

The seller reports that the most recent service was performed in January 2025, which consisted of an engine oil change. They also report new suspension components and a new brake system (original manufacturer) were previously installed. 
 

• The seller states the current tires have about 85% of tread life remaining 
• Information provided states the engine was rebuilt by a Mercedes-Benz Canada workshop in 1993, which included the lower and top end being rebuilt. The seller states this engine has accumulated 32,000 miles since the rebuild. 

 

The seller states that they have owned this Mercedes for 50 years, accumulating approximately 35,000 miles during their ownership. This Mercedes is currently located with the seller in Orlando, Florida. 

 

Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1969 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda shows wear consistent with its age and low mileage according to a Seller's Disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking “Seller’s Disclosure” above. 

 

• The seller reports this car does not come equipped with air conditioning, the dashboard clock is not currently functioning, and there are some minor stains on the roof headlining 
• The seller reports this car was resprayed multiple times: once in 1979, another instance in 1993, and most recently in August 2024, when it received its current Blue paint finish
• Photos provided show the following:
   
  • Creases in the dashboard leather upholstery
  • Surface marks on front and rear exterior chrome bumpers
  • Curb rash, minor patina on wheels
  • Surface marks on dashboard section (driver’s side, near instrument dials)
  • Surface cracks on passenger side rear tailight cover
  • Surface patina on rear exhaust section
     

Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This car is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.