1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Featuring chiseled, athletic styling penned by noted designer Paul Bracq, advanced built-in safety features engineered by Béla Barényi, and sophisticated driving dynamics that remain impressive today, the W113 Mercedes-Benz 230/250/280 SL line ranks among the finest Sports/GT cars ever created. The final and most refined development of the Pagoda series, nicknamed after its distinctively concave hardtop, is the 2.8-liter 280 SL, built from late 1967 to March 1971.

As one of only 830 examples built for the final 1971 model year, this impeccably preserved 280 SL was completed in November 1970 with a formidable MSRP of just over $9,500. It has logged less than 18,500 miles and clearly benefits from a lifetime of truly attentive care, limited use, and highly effective preservation. Ann Pistocco from East Rockaway, New York, purchased this SL new on July 27, 1971, and she recalls that the car was always regarded as special even though the family had two other Mercedes-Benz cars. It was ordered with the Kinder seat to accommodate her 6-year-old son, and she states that she had driven the car only about 2,500 miles when she sold it prior to the family’s move to Vermont in the late 1980s. According to a statement by Hatch & Sons Automotive, it was acquired by an East Coast couple in June 1998, with just 8,600 miles following a comprehensive service and detailing performed by the shop. The couple drove the SL only an additional 9,500 miles over the next 14 years until it was sourced for the consignor by Southern California Mercedes-Benz expert Scott Melnick in 2012 at just over 18,000 total miles. Today, it is simply astonishingin its state of originality and preservation.

A professional and intensive detailing was performed to preserve the lustrous shine of the largely factory-original paint finish. Other highlights include the original wax-pencil inspection marks inside the headlamp buckets, superb factory brightwork, the original undamaged rubber heel pad on the driver-side carpeting, and the original, never-used spare wheel and Continental spare tire. A 2012 major service completed by Hatch & Sons included new tires, brakes, battery, exhaust, suspension bushings, drivetrain mounts, plus a new canvas convertible top.

This final-year 280 SL is very well equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, air-conditioning, rear Kinder seat, Becker Europa AM/FM radio, Hirschman power radio antenna, and both hard and soft tops. Additional items include the original set of books and manuals in their original pouch, pristine tool kit, the original paper window sticker and the embossed metal data plate.

Among the best-preserved, unrestored Pagodas in the world, this 280 SL is an irreplaceable treasure worthy of a place in any renowned collection.