1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Overview
Signal Red over Black, this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL ‘Pagoda’ marries high design with well-kept condition. New Black MB-Tex upholstery, Charcoal square-weave carpets, engine-out refurbishment lends an exemplary state of tune. From the driver’s seat, VDO instruments sit behind an elegant 2-spoke steering wheel, matched by cabin niceties including air conditioning, a rebuilt Becker Europa radio, and Red/Black Coco mats. Restored cabin woodwork and a Kienzle dash clock complete time-capsule comforts.
This SL’s defining W113-generation styling cues meet 4-season practicality with a Black cloth convertible roof and included removable matching hard top. Exterior aesthetics benefit from new taillights, re-chromed bumpers, and painted wheel covers. Hankook whitewall tires are stated to show fewer than 1,000 miles driven.
Owned 11 years by the seller, extensive mechanical sorting offers refreshed systems throughout. Notably, this example benefits from overhauled 4-wheel disc braking, cooling, a new starter, and stainless exhaust (2014-2015). Installation of re-manufactured OEM 4-speed automatic transmission under previous ownership provides smooth power delivery to the rear wheels. Sold with a Seller’s Disclosure, 3-piece luggage set, and more, this Mercedes-Benz arrives ready for miles of enjoyment ahead.
Features & Options
- Signal Red exterior
- Black MB-Tex upholstery
- Black fabric convertible roof
- Body-color hard top
- 2.8L inline-six engine
- 4-speed automatic transmission
- Bosch mechanical fuel injection
- Air conditioning
- VDO instruments & Kienzle dashboard clock
- 14" steel wheels
- Chrome & body-color hubcaps
- 4-wheel power disc brakes
- California 'Blue-Plate' license plates
Modifications
- MB-Tex upholstery (door panels & seat covers)
- Charcoal carpets, square weave
- Black/ Red Coco floor mats fitted
- 3-piece luggage set
Service Records
- Seller's Disclosure
- Service records from current & previous ownership
- Recent service includes rear brake pads replaced (2024) & Engine oil change service performed in July (2025)
- Newer tires have been driven approximately 1,000mi
- See paint meter readings in Documents (above)
Exterior
- New taillight lenses, bumpers repaired/rechromed (2014)
Interior
- Interior refurbishment by Import Interiors of Santa Ana, CA (2014)
- Cabin woodwork refurbished by Suite E GrafX of Costa Mesa, CA
- Becker Europa AM/FM radio rebuilt, not connected
- Air conditioning system serviced (2014), recharged (2017)
Mechanical
- Remanufactured Mercedes-Benz transmission installed (1984)
- Engine-out cleaning & component refinishing (2014)
- Cooling system updates including a new water pump, thermostat & hoses (2014)
- Brake system overhaul (2014)
- Stainless steel TimeValve exhaust system installed (2014)
- Starter replaced (2015)
Ownership History & Provenance
Believed a California car from new, this 280SL is located with the seller and longterm owner in Laguna Niguel, CA.
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 and mileage according to a seller’s disclosure. Please review the entire document by clicking "Seller's Disclosure" above.
- Some small oil/fluid seepage when parked for a period of time.
- Minor paint imperfections to body and included hardtop. Some small spots noted to headliner.
Please click the “Contact Seller” button to reach out with any condition-specific questions. This vehicle is sold where-is, as-is, and bidder is responsible for all due diligence regarding vehicle condition.
Items included in the Sale
- 2 key fobs
- Body-color hard top, new seals included
- 3-piece luggage set
- Factory literature & period literature
- Service records from current & previous ownership
- Build sheet
- Spare or removed parts
- Haynes service & repair manual
- Car cover
- Tool kit