1967→1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
Less than a year after the presentation of the 250 SL, after 5196 units had been built it was replaced by the 280 SL. Apart from the model plate it could only be distinguished from the two preceding models on the outside by the different wheel hub caps.
In the wake of the market launch of the intermediate range models of the 114/115 series, not only the luxury-class saloons, coupés and cabriolets, but also the SL was powered by a 2.8-litre engine. Thanks to a camshaft with changed valve timing, the variant of the M 130 engine used in the 280 SL mobilised 10 bhp (7.4 kW) more than the base version of the 280 SE, developing 170 bhp (125 kW) at 5750 rpm. Compared with the 250 SL the power had been increased by around 20 bhp (15 kW) and torque by 10 per cent. For the first time the radiator fan was fitted with a viscous coupling which limited the rotational speed. The 0 to 100 km/h was in the vicinity of nine seconds and the top speed again came up to the level of the 230 SL, i.e., 200 km/h in the fabric-top version. Its suspension, designed for further enhanced comfort, was softer. The service intervals were 10,000 kilometres instead of 3000.
23,885 units of the fast and reliable Mercedes-Benz 280 SL rolled off the assembly line. All in all, from 1963 to 1971 a total of 48,912 “Pagodas” were built – remarkable for a sports car with such high standards. Today its high overall quality, its elegance and its clear lines make the W 113 series a coveted item among restorers and collectors.
In Detail
| tags | w113, 280sl, pagoda |
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1967 – 1971 |
| built at | Germany |
| production | 23885 |
| price $ | $ 6,731 |
| engine | M 130 Inline-6 |
| valvetrain | SOHC |
| displacement | 2778 cc / 169.5 in³ |
| bore | 86.5 mm / 3.41 in |
| stroke | 78.8 mm / 3.1 in |
| compression | 9.5:1 |
| power | 126.8 kw / 170 bhp @ 5750 rpm |
| specific output | 61.2 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 120.14 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 261.7 nm / 193.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Construction w/ Steel & Aluminum Panels |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / RWD |
| front tires | 185 HR-14 |
| rear tires | 185 HR-14 |
| front brakes | Discs |
| front wheels | F 35.6 x 15.2 cm / 14.0 x 6.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 35.6 x 15.2 cm / 14.0 x 6.0 in |
| steering | Recirculating Ball w/ Power Assist |
| curb weight | 1415 kg / 3120 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2400 mm / 94.5 in |
| front track | 1481 mm / 58.3 in |
| rear track | 1486 mm / 58.5 in |
| length | 4288 mm / 168.8 in |
| width | 1778 mm / 70.0 in |
| height | 1306 mm / 51.4 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Auto |
| gear ratios | 3.98:1, 2.52:1, 1.58:1, 1.00:1 |
| final drive | 4.08:1 |
| top speed | ~183.5 kph / 114.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~9.5 seconds |
| 0 – 100 mph | ~31.5 seconds |
| 0 – 1/4 mile | ~17.3 seconds |
Auction Sales History
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 113044-12-009659 – sold for $99,000 Remained in highly original and well preserved order as it remained in the same family ownership for virtually its whole life. Desirable optional alloy wheels. Important works were entrusted to Paul Russell’s esteemed facility in Massachusetts. Throughout its 46 year existence its servicing is well charted, so its accrual of just under 75,000 miles is fully substantiated.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113044.12.019017 – sold for $99,000 Beautiful example of Mercedes-Benz’s classic ‘Pagoda’ 280SL. Complete with both soft and hard tops. Sports car performance with saloon car comfort. Wonderful Mercedes-Benz for Sunday morning cruising. .Offered with copies of Mercedes-Benz data card.
Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ 113.044.12.003756 – sold for $148,500 Two owners from new, with single ownership from 1978. Features factory soft- and hard-tops, air conditioning, and automatic transmission. Recent cosmetic and mechanical restoration.
Auction Source: RM Sotheby’s Monterey 2015
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster 113.044-12-007543 – sold for €48,340 This example was sold new in California, USA from where it was imported in 2013. Described as running well, the car has been re-sprayed in silver metallic but retains its original black trim. Accompanying documentation consists of German registration papers and some history relating to its time in the USA. A total of 66,000 kilometres is currently displayed on the odometer.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster 113.044-12-019709 – sold for €104,075 This exceptional 280 SL remained in California, USA with its first owner, Alan B Adison, until 2006. The current Netherlands-based owner purchased the car from the second owner, M van Brücken, in 2014. Un-restored, the 280 SL is described as in near perfect condition, ’99-point’ and ‘like new’. Noteworthy features of this supremely well equipped car include original two-tone paintwork, air conditioning and automatic transmission, while theaccompanying Mercedes-Benz certificate of origin lists no fewer than 12 factory-fitted options. Additional accompanying documentation consists of the old US title, current Netherlands registration papers and a large file of maintenance history, while the car also comes with its handbooks and tools.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 113.044-10-009469 – sold for $51,700 Fitted with the rare and desirable ZF manual transmission. Fitted with both hard ‘Pagoda’ top and folding soft top. Delivered new to the United States. The most sporting iteration of the W113.
Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.012975 – sold for $220,000 Extensive Restoration by Marque Expert. Limited Ownership Careful Attention to Correct Details. Finished in Original Dark Olive with Parchment. Accompanied by Books, Tools, and Matching Hardtop.
Auction Source: The 2015 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 113.044.12.006542 – sold for $104,500 Beautifully presented 280SL complete with hard top. One family ownership for many years. Recent cosmetic restoration in factory-delivered livery. High-quality classic Mercedes-Benz with great usability. Offered with copies of the Mercedes-Benz Wagenkarte.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 113.044.12.011368 – sold for $88,000 Beautiful example of Mercedes-Benz’s classic ‘Pagoda’ 280SL. German-delivered example complete with hard top. Sports car performance with saloon car comfort. Fitted with period Becker radio. Offered with copies of factory build sheets, books and tools.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auction 2015 by Bonhams
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.020582 – sold for $176,000 Documented Two-Owner Car. Unique Special-Order Color Combination. One of Just 830 Produced for the Final 1971 Model Year. Includes Impressively Complete Manual Set and Tool Kit. Equipped with Factory Air-Conditioning.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.019759 – sold for $99,000 Well-Maintained and Authentic Example. Highly Optioned with Factory Hardtop and Air-Conditioning. Striking Finish and Presentation Throughout. Veteran of the 2013 Copperstate 1000. Offered with Tools and Manuals.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.020326 – sold for $82,500 Serviced by Mercedes-Benz Marque Specialists. Recent Cosmetic Refurbishment. Well-Equipped, and Complete with Hard and Soft Tops. Final Iteration of the Timeless “Pagoda” Series. A Highly Approachable Modern Classic.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions 2015 by Gooding & Company
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ 113.044.12.012342 – sold for $121,000 Finished in stunning Dark Maroon over Beige with a matching hardtop. A 1970s style icon. An ideal summer driver.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’ 113.044.12.016626 – sold for $181,500 Finished in the factory-correct colors of Bronze-Brown over Cognac. Recently completed concours-quality restoration. Includes a tool roll, owners’ manual, and fitted luggage. Includes extensive restoration documentation.
Auction Source: Arizona 2015 by RM Auctions
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster 11304412015519 – sold for $82,000 Bought in Houston in 2001 as a nice rust free car. Complete restoration including engine rebuilt by Mario Sueiras. Pagoda hardtop and soft top included in Dark Blue. Interior by GAHH. Original parts. Stored in dry garage. 11% buyers premium on this automobile, Import duties have been paid .
Auction Source: Monterey 2014 by Mecum Auctions
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.022270 – sold for $126,500 Just Three Owners from New. Beautifully Preserved Low-Mileage Example. Elegant Two-Tone Color Combination.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.021709 – sold for $82,500 Final Year of 280 SL Production. Equipped with New Soft Top and Factory Hardtop. Accompanied by Extensive Maintenance Records.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.004451 – sold for $99,000 Single Family Ownership for 45 Years, Two Owners in All. Fantastic Original Color Combination. Beautifully Restored Throughout. A Fine Example of the Popular Pagoda SL. Perfect for Weekend Drives and Tours.
Auction Source: 2014 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.008330 – sold for $72,600 Well-Maintained Restoration. Minimally Driven. Factory Air-Conditioning. Classic Color Combination with Two Tops.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.023721 – sold for $143,000 Final Year of the Beloved Pagoda SL. Restored by Mercedes-Benz Expert Jurgen Klockemann. Attractive Color Scheme and Excellent Presentation. Complete with Factory Air-Conditioning and Hardtop. Recently Serviced and Sorted by Peter Leinen’s German Auto Center.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster – sold for $60,000 195 HP six cylinder engine. One owner from new. Automatic transmission. Air conditioning. 4-wheel disc brakes. Two tops. Blue convertible soft top. Believed to be 61,436 miles.
Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL 113.044.10.022291 – sold for $79,750 Single owner since 1978. A recent refurbishment includes fresh Light Green Metallic paint over a new parchment interior, which features the ageless Becker Mexico radio. Records document the entire period of a single owner since 1978, when it may well have been bought from the original buyer. That extended tenure and the recent refurbishment have yielded a car in excellent running and driving shape, which is surely a great pleasure in owning the very last and greatest of the beloved pagoda-roof Mercedes-Benz SLs.
Auction Source: 2013 Monterey Auction by RM Auctions
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.018350 – sold for $107,250 A Rare, Original Factory Two-Tone Car. Three Owners and Less than 70,000 Miles from New. Beautifully Preserved Original Interior. Recent Exterior Refurbishment. Accompanied by a Copy of the Factory Build Card. An Unusually Pure Example.
Auction Source: Gooding & Company’s 10th Anniversary 2013 Pebble Beach Auction
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.021820 – sold for $121,000 Last and Most Refined Model of the W113 Series. Recent Comprehensive Restoration. First Place Overall Winner, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Jamboree. Original Attractive Color Combination.
Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster 113.044.12.005650 – sold for $93,500 Original California car; fitted with both tops and air conditioning. Fully documented frame-up restoration. Driven only 2,000 miles since restoration.
Auction Source: 2013 Arizona Auction by RM
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – sold for $69,300 Includes Hard and Soft Tops. Limited Ownership. Serviced by a Marque Specialist. Recent Cosmetic Refurbishment.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 113.044.12.019759 – sold for $110,000 Excellent Fit and Finish. Well Equipped and Fully Accessorized. Concours Ready or Excellent Touring Classic. Elegant Color Combination. A Very Special Late‐Production Pagoda.
Auction Source: The 2013 Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible – sold for $50,000 The 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL carried on the tradition of lightweight M-B sports roadsters and grand tourers with the rock-solid 280SL. The Paul Braque-designed “Pagoda-roof” 280SL benefited from engineering development that gave its 2.8 L overhead cam 6 170 horsepower. This lovely 1969 example has been a California car since new. Well cared for and restored some years ago, it remains in marvelous condition and comes with both hard and soft tops and a beautifully detailed engine compartment. Owner’s manual and books included.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster 11304410002800 – sold for $101,750 Numbers-matching, European-spec 280SL. Desirable four-speed manual transmission. Accompanied by 25 years of hand-written logbooks from long-term owner. $130,000 restoration by Mercedes-Benz legend Siegfried Linke.
Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Convertible Chassis – sold for €50,600 This 280SL has had only one (lady) owner and has covered only 69,000-or-so kilometres (43,000 miles) from new. Acquired recently from an estate sale in Italy, the 280SL was bought new in Austria for the Italian wife of a southern Austrian citizen and spent almost all its life at their home near Cremona, where it was serviced. During the last eight years the car has seen very little use, its elderly owner covering fewer than 4,000 kilometresduring that time. It is described as in utterly original condition with the exception of a high quality re-spray in the original colour of emerald green carried out a couple of years ago, the original paint having lost its original depth and lustre. The original light brown leather interior is said to be in perfect unmarked condition, with matching brown carpets, while the beige roof is in good order also. The underside is reported as absolutely solid and rot free – the result of residing in a dry climate – and the car mechanically strong, starting instantly and running quietly. The automatic gearbox works perfectly with seamless changes. All in all this is a beautiful unmolested 280SL preserved in wonderful ‘time warp’ condition.
Auction Source: The Paris Sale 2012 by Bonhams
1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL – sold for $82,500 Desirable Low-Mileage Example. Sympathetically Restored. Exquisite Pagoda SL Design. Rare Four-Speed Manual Gearbox.
Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company
