1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Launched at Geneva in 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W113) replaced both the 300 SL and 190 SL in one stroke and ushered in a new single platform sports car policy for its maker. The crisp body lines penned by Paul Bracq coupled with the iconic “Pagoda” hardtop made the SL an instant classic that has only gained popularity in the decades since its debut. Development culminated with the 2.8-liter 280 SL, which was built from December 1967 to February 1971; its refinements and enhanced torque captivated road testers and eager customers. There were 23,885 examples of the 280 SL built, with over half of that number exported to the US.

In May 1966, a five-speed manual gearbox, built by Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen (ZF) was first introduced as an option for the 250 SL. This gearbox significantly improved highway drivability, serving as an overdrive. The 5th gear dropped engine cruising speeds, which reduced cabin noise, lowered engine stress, and improved overall fuel economy compared to the standard four-speed. Only 882 280 SLs were equipped with the ZF five-speed gearbox, and cars so equipped from new – denoted by code 230 on their factory build card – have become highly prized by enthusiasts, both for their rarity, and for the way they transform the driving dynamics of the 280 SL. This gearbox, priced at approximately $500, was not offered to US buyers, and the few that reside on these shores were individually imported from foreign markets, further increasing their rarity among stateside collectors.

According to notes on file, the 280 SL offered here, chassis 003272, was sold new in Paris and attractively finished in the seldom-seen shade of Papyrus White (DB 717) with a dark red MB-Tex interior. The car was imported to the US in 1983 by its third owner, Jeffrey Fellman. Upon his purchase, Mr. Fellman was told that the car’s first two owners, who were neighbors, never allowed the car to sit out overnight.

In late 1989, the rare 280 SL was acquired by George Klemp of Westport, Connecticut via the noted Mercedes-Benz specialist Alex Dearborn. Mr. Klemp would go on to enjoy and preserve the car for the next 36 years. Extensive records on file document the major services that were performed on the 280 SL over the years, including a rebuild of the ZF gearbox, which, in addition to the engine, matches the serial number recorded on the build record.

In 1991, Mr. Klemp retained the highly respected Mercedes-Benz restorers Hatch & Sons Automotive in Hudson, Massachusetts to perform a substantial mechanical and cosmetic restoration on the car. The work included refinishing the exterior in its original color, reupholstering the seats, and addressing the exhaust, braking, and electrical systems, as well as a rebuild of the engine’s top end. Further invoices on file track the tuning and maintenance of the 280 SL through 2020.

The consignor acquired the Pagoda from Mr. Klemp in 2025, and it continues to present well throughout, including its bright white paint finish as well as its tidy interior and engine bay – a testament to the care it received from its long-term owners.

Over the past few decades, the W113-Series cars have become increasingly collectible. Prized for their innovative yet timeless design and their usability in modern traffic, W113s are the very definition of a modern classic. The final version, the 280 SL, is the most coveted of the group due to its responsive 180 hp fuel-injected straight six. European models, such as this example, were built with 195 hp output, and coupled with its rare and performance-expanding five-speed gearbox, this 280 SL may be counted among the most appealing, desirable, and collectible of them all.