1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
Overview
An exquisite, low-mileage example of the famous ‘Pagoda’ two-door convertible, this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL arrives finished in Silver Grey Metallic. Comprehensive recent refurbishment lends a new Black MB-Tex interior and convertible soft top alongside thoroughly sorted mechanical systems and a partial repaint. One unique feature of this specific vehicle is the rear ‘Kinder seat’ offering extra utility for smaller family members. Behind its wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, just over 27k miles displayed by the VDO odometer. Sparingly enjoyed, this stunning 280SL presents ready for top-down motoring. Records detailing just 5k miles driven in the consigning seller’s 25 years of ownership accompany the sale.
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The W113-generation Mercedes-Benz 280SL has become a cornerstone of automotive design. A nearly level line can be drawn from the front headlights to the trunk, and its airy removable greenhouse remains instantly recognizable to the present day. The hardtop’s aesthetics—credited to Mercedes safety engineer Béla Barényi, resembles a pagoda architectural form, adding structural reinforcement with artful style. An inline six-cylinder engine provided stout motivation matched by luxury touches like a Becker Europa radio and heat-insulated glass to set the model apart as a versatile tourer in its day.
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While its Italian contemporaries conjure memories of high-speed notoriety, the 280SL enjoys perennial acclaim true in spirit to the company’s modern mandate as “The Best or Nothing”. A driver’s car with an artist’s touch, this Mercedes-Benz possesses collector-quality attention to detail.
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The W113-generation Mercedes-Benz 280SL has become a cornerstone of automotive design. A nearly level line can be drawn from the front headlights to the trunk, and its airy removable greenhouse remains instantly recognizable to the present day. The hardtop’s aesthetics—credited to Mercedes safety engineer Béla Barényi, resembles a pagoda architectural form, adding structural reinforcement with artful style. An inline six-cylinder engine provided stout motivation matched by luxury touches like a Becker Europa radio and heat-insulated glass to set the model apart as a versatile tourer in its day.
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While its Italian contemporaries conjure memories of high-speed notoriety, the 280SL enjoys perennial acclaim true in spirit to the company’s modern mandate as “The Best or Nothing”. A driver’s car with an artist’s touch, this Mercedes-Benz possesses collector-quality attention to detail.
Features & Options
- Silver Grey Metallic exterior
- Black MB-Tex upholstery
- 2.8-liter inline-six-cylinder engine
- 4-speed floor-shift automatic transmission
- Removable body color hard top and hidden soft top in black
- Power steering
- Outside driver’s side rearview mirror
- Becker Europa radio
- Reims adapter IV
- Heat-insulating glass on side windows and rear window
- Electrically-heated rear window
- Rear children’s 'Kinder seat'
*See full Build Sheet in Documents (above)
Service Records
- Seller’s Disclosure
- Service records from current ownership
- Cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment is stated to include:
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All new interior upholstery, carpets & convertible top
Rear of vehicle repainted, brightwork refinished
Trunk and footwell floor panels replaced using OEM components
Undercarriage refurbishment
New battery, brake fluid reservoir & fuel pump
New tires including matching spare, mounted in 2023
Engine tune-up & fluid services
Ownership History & Provenance
This vehicle is currently located with the selling dealer outside of Trenton, New Jersey.
Known Shortcomings
Sotheby's Motorsport presents this auction in partnership with the seller. This 1971 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.
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- Small chip in the paint on the tip of the hood and small scratch on the driver’s side fender. Some delamination seen at windshield edges.
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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
- 1 key fob
- Owner’s manual & service books
- Build sheet
- Service records from current ownership
- Removable body-color hardtop
- New rolling hardtop storage stand
- Tool kit, spare wheel/tire
- Battery charger