1971 Mercedes Benz 280SL Pagoda

Original California Car with A/C, Books & Window Sticker

This Mercedes 280SL has SOLD

Take a Look at This Cherished 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda for Sale

Very special 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda W113 for sale with only 129K miles from new. Factory finished in 717 off-white with 040 black hardtop and Black MB Tex interior.

Purchased new at Rossi Motors (later becoming R.A.B. Motors) and well-equipped with Frigiking air conditioning, heated rear window, power steering, front & rear bumper guards, Europa AM-FM radio, tinted glass, chromium roof bars, and white sidewall tires. It comes with the original window sticker, books, manuals, and original California-issued license plates.

The current owner Albert is in his 90's. In 1971 his best friend John needed to replace his Thunderbird, but after a trip to Rossi Motors to look at this Pagoda, it seems that Albert was able to convince the doctor to double his budget. John had no regrets and kept his special Mercedes until he passed away in the 1980s, after which Albert bought the car from his children.

So while this is a 2-owner car, both owners were great friends, and both were together the day of purchase. I have included photos of John with the car shortly after buying it, along with a picture of Albert delivering the car to me. The next hand-off should be a special one.

The car starts, runs, drives and shifts well and is fully operational. The braking and suspension feel good, and the original numbers-correct engine has plenty of power. Everything looks in place under the hood and the car with no modifications. Even the factory insulation on the cowl shows well. All of the spot welds are present, and the car shows no signs of rust.

The body has been well preserved, with the divots still present on the inner fender area behind the headlamps. While there are a few minor scrapes and bruises to be expected on a 50-year-old original car, it has a lovely patina that only an original example can offer. The windshield is in good shape and looks to be the original.

Albert informed me that the soft top has only been up once in the car's life! This came as no surprise when we pulled it out of the stowaway—the stitching and fabric on the top look brand new. The top had to stretch for a few days but eventually latched to the rear and the headers. It is by far the best-preserved cloth top I have seen on any SL throughout my career. All in all, it shows well and should be coveted as one of the increasingly rare preservation cars remaining.

Inside is all original as well with no modifications. Everything in the car looks to be in good working order though the air conditioning is not blowing cold at this time. The interior is tidy with light wear, good door cards, original factory rugs, sharp gauges, and trim. The car is very comfortable overall.

Overall this is a lovely example of a nicely preserved Pagoda, a California car with a short owner's list and unique history with two great friends. Be sure to check out all 350 photos and the video.