Forty-one years ago, in 1963, the 230SL Pagoda (a nickname it acquired due to its slightly concave hardtop), was conceived under the auspices of legendary chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut of Silberpfeile Grand Prix racing fame. Much of its cachet derived from Paul Bracq's exquisitely timeless design. Only the muscle was lacking a bit on the 230SL and its successor, the 250SL. However, things would change soon with the introduction of the legendary 280SL.
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The 280SL, debuting on August 21, 1967, all but eliminated the performance deficit. The final evolution of the last hand-built Mercedes Roadster, the 280SL could do everything better than its predecessors and is highly coveted by sportscar enthusiasts. Today's Mercedes SLs are being produced by industrial robots in large quantities and will never attain the collectibility of the earlier, hand-crafted cars.
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The 1971 Mercedes 280SL presented here, VIN *113.044-12-022345* was among the very last few W113 SLs manufactured, in November of 1970, to be precise. It was shipped to the U.S. and sold brand new in March of 1971 at Autohaus Brugger, Inc., the authorized Daimler-Benz agency in Radwood City, Calif. at the time. The car spent its entire life within 150 miles of Redwood City and is a true California survivor.
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A fully provenanced Mercedes comes with a tan vinyl pouch containing books and manuals. Included are:
- Pink "Kardex" build sheet
- Owner's Manual
- Faithfully Stamped Service Book
- Roadster Top Instructions
- Consumer Information Booklet
- Parts Catalog "B"
- U.S. Dealer Directory
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The Pagoda's body has been pampered as conscientiously as its mechanicals. Most importantly, the car still possesses its original hood (the last two digits of the VIN are stamped in), the original front fenders and, yes, the famous "notches" (some prefer to call 'em "ridges") near the headlights are still present.
Tobacco Brown finish (code 423) appears to be an older repaint, though its shine is still a mile deep. There are no dents or scratches. All the brightwork and glass, as well as virtually all of the weatherstripping remains in excellent condition.
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Original steel wheels with stainless hub caps look good, wearing narrow whitewall tires. Here, they are radials of the size 195/75-14.
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Dark brown canvas soft top with crystal clear back window is free of any damage.
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A white steel Mercedes hardtop in very good condition (note the nice headliner) is included as well, making this Benz a true "two top" Roadster.
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However, we hope the new owner will be able to enjoy the car as intended: as an open-topped, fun convertible for exhilarating Sunday afternoon jaunts over fast backcountry roads.
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Engine compartment is spotlessly clean and speaks volumes about the loving care this fine 280SL has always received.
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The fabulous M 127 2.8-liter overhead-cam inline-6 engine is a visual delight that has rightfully earned its title as the crowning achievement of the W113 series. Unlike its predecessors, Mercedes' 2.3 and 2.5 liter engines, the 2.8 had not only more get up and go with its 180 lively ponies on tap, but had an excellent reputation as being almost bullet-proof, with its 7 main bearings (instead of 5) and the factory-installed oil cooler. Mated to the sophisticated 4-speed automatic transmission with fluid coupling, this engine actually turns the 280SL into a very fast automobile, faster even than some of the succeeding R107 models in the country.
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The 280SL's lavishly appointed interior radiates Mercedes' celebrated aura of luxury. This precious roadster is exactly what the doctor ordered if you are lusting after a beautifully crafted, classic sports car that begs to be driven.
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The cockpit presents itself largely original, down to the large steering wheel.
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A modern ALPINE CDM7854 CD player with iPod jack was installed to satisfy current entertainment demands. Close inspection reveals a few small hairline cracks atop the original instrument nacelle. Heater levers have been replaced, all the wood has been exquisitely restored and looks better than new.
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The classic, pinstriped SL gauges look immaculate and work flawlessly; even the KIENZLE clock still keeps the correct time.
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Seats have been reupholstered, the second owner choosing genuine "Bamboo" leather, which looks and smells wonderful. Nothing beats the ambiance of a classic sports car interior that boasts leather seating!
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we. But before we start the engine, let's have an in-depth look at two important areas: trunk and undercarriage.
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Sanitary trunk compartment. There are a couple of mysterious kinks inside the deck lid structure, but nothing to lose sleep over.
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Only in California: Superb trunk floor, devoid of any rust or spray can artistry. Factory tool roll is included as well.
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Examining the car for structural integrity, here's a view that many SL sellers would rather not show you: the unibody's belly, so often badly rust-damaged and haphazardly repaired; on this California SL, the floors have survived all these years in amazingly rust-free condition, without a trace of non-original undercoating anywhere. Here and there, you can still see a hint of the original protective Cosmoline wax coating, applied at the factory, almost 40 years ago! There's but one minor flaw, caused by a careless tow trunk driver.
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Monday, April 6 was a fine, sunny day in Southern California, just right for a test drive with the Mercedes.
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The fuel-injected car starts instantly, idles smoothly, and runs great. We are headed to our favorite neighborhood.
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This SL is so much fun to drive, we catch ourselves time and again exceeding the legal speed limit. Though the 4-speed automatic transmission is almost brand new, the upshift from second to third feels a bit hesitant at times; after owning a few of these late-1960s Benzes, we almost believe it's part of their inherent design. The car handles and stops superbly, and the engine is very powerful.
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A Mercedes Benz 280SL looks elegant in any setting, and the collector status of this particular model has been firmly established, a long time ago. As restoration costs spiral out of control, values for fine examples are going to continue their steady climb, so here is an excellent opportunity to secure one of the few remaining rust free California cars. To find such a special California SL is a true blessing.
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Final Words of Wisdom:
In our not-so-humble opinion, this fantastic Pagoda needs absolutely nothing. If you are a Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance judge, you might think otherwise, but for a car to drive and to enjoy on sunny weekends, this one is as good as it gets. Anything better you'd be afraid to take out of the garage.
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.