1970 | Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Technical Information
Overview
Now featured on Sotheby's Motorsport is this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, benefiting from a no-expense-spared top-to-bottom restoration to bring it back to its original peak form aesthetically and mechanically. Under its most recent keeper, the car underwent a comprehensive restoration inside and out, with the completion of a fully-documented interior refresh invoiced at nearly $30,000 by a classic car specialist workshop. All parts of this extensive work have returned this classic Mercedes to its prime appearance and presentation - easily capturing the attention of observers and classic car enthusiasts in the same manner as it first drew heads when it originally hit the road in the 70s.
This cherished W113-generation Mercedes-Benz 280SL is finished in a classic Blue, paired with a color-matching soft top and removable hardtop. Restoration work performed to the exterior has refreshed the shine and glamour of this Pagoda's signature chromed features - from the color-matching Mercedes hubcaps, exterior front and rear bumpers, headlight surrounds, side door handles, and windshield wipers. The high-grade restoration carried out to refresh the interior saw inclusion of equally classic shades of Cognac, now seen on the leather upholstery of the seats and side door panels along with the top and lower section of the dashboard padding. The Cognac interior features further extend to the carpeting within the interior footwells, hardtop roof headliner, and the rear cargo compartment carpeting, which all pair finely with the wood trim accents in the cabin of this Mercedes. The same level of attentive refurbishment extends to the aesthetic presentation of the engine compartment, which is said to have seen a mechanical refurbishment performed under previous ownership by Daniel Landeros of Ventura Mercedes.
This handsome example shows just under 93,000 miles. Power comes from a 2.8L inline-six cylinder engine up front, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission - all contributing to delivering a smooth and linear driving experience. A Seller’s Disclosure, key, removable hardtop roof, restoration documentation, service records, and a spare tire accompany the sale of this finely restored example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s most desirable classic models from the postwar period. The next keeper is set to enjoy taking this classic Mercedes for leisurely cruises or to impress at a future classic car show display.
Features & Options
Engine and Drivetrain:
- 2.8L inline-six cylinder engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission
Exterior Features:
- Blue paint finish
- Color-coordinated Mercedes-Benz hubcaps
- Front and rear exterior chrome bumpers
- Color-coordinated softop convertible roof
- Color-coordinated fixed hardtop roof
- Chrome exhaust tips
- Chrome exterior light surrounds (headlights, side markers, rear tailights)
- Front license plate bracket
- ‘280SL’ exterior badging
Interior Features:
- White rimmed Mercedes steering wheel
- Cognac Brown manually-adjustable leather seats
- Cognac Brown side door panels
- Cognac Brown dashboard padding
- Blue dashboard sections
- Cognac Brown interior carpeting (footwells, rear section, rear trunk floor)
- Period-correct Becker Europa AM/FM radio
- VDO Mechanical Dashboard Clock
- Air conditioning
- Defroster
- Chrome instrument cluster surrounds
- Chrome handbrake lever
- 140 mph speedometer
Service Records
- Seller’s Disclosure
- Maintenence records
The selling dealer states the most recent service for this Mercedes-Benz 280SL was completed in May 2025.
Service records provided state the following work was previously carried out:
May 14, 2024, at Online Classic Mercedes in Lebec, California
- Dashboard pad and wood trim removed, reupholstered in Cognac leather
- Seats, door panels removed and reupholstered in Cognac leather
- Interior carpet removed, replaced with Cognac square weave
- Hardtop retrimmed with Cognac leather
- All aluminum components, fuel lines, mounting brackets in engine bay removed and refinished, replated, and reinstalled with new hose clamps
- Firewall pad replaced
- Interior, dashboard components reinstalled
- Installation of screws/clips, miscellaneous hardware
Ownership History & Provenance
The selling dealer states that from 1972 to 2018, this Mercedes was owned by the same private owner in California, before it was acquired by the current owner (a client of the selling dealer), who undertook the complete restoration under their ownership. This Mercedes is currently located with the selling dealer.
- The selling dealer is selling this Mercedes-Benz 280SL on consignment, on behalf of the current owner.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the selling dealer. This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL shows wear consistent with its age, mileage, and restored condition according to a seller’s disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
- The selling dealer reports this car does not come equipped with a heater
- The selling dealer states that this car was fully resprayed into its current Blue paint finish as part of the restoration process it received
- The selling dealer reports there are small surface scratches present on the exterior (consistent with classic vehicles that have been used/driven), hairline scratches identified on the rear trunk area
- Photos provided display minor surface wear on the center console wood trim, minor surface patina on the accelerator pedal, small visible creases on driver’s seat leather upholstery
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.
Items included in the Sale
Items Included in the Sale
- Fixed hardtop roof
- 1 key
- Service records from current ownership
- Restoration documentation
- Spare tire
