A mostly original, highly authentic 1971 280SL

This car is featured in 5 videos on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5YJhIaxkiGoI-5eEA7h-rQ/ 

Click here for a nine-minute showroom walkaround and functionality test.

If you had purchased a W113 Pagoda in 1971 and serviced it regularly, while allowing it to age gracefully for decades, this would be that car. This is a classic example of a late series, preservation award-level 280SL that was “loaded” with all the creature comforts of that time. Options like a 4-speed automatic, air conditioning, Becker Europa stereo radio with electric Hirschmann aerial, leather seats, and removable hardtop were the state of luxury for a German two-seater in 1971. This was how 280SLs looked as they neared the end of their production, complete with polymer coolant expansion tank and heated rear window in the hardtop.

Until just four years ago, this was a one-owner Pagoda. Records confirm that despite the fact it was seldom driven by its original surgeon owner, it was serviced at the dealer like clockwork regardless of mileage. As a result, this 280SL has covered a documented 42K and all the features indicated in the original window sticker are present and functional today.

This Pagoda is highly original, including its black soft top, multi-loop carpet, wood trim, and even factory hose clamps. The electric Hirschmann antenna is present AND functional (a feat in itself). This is a numbers-matching 280SL displaying factory spot welds and body numbers stamped into key body panels.

On the road, this SL drives exactly as a low-mileage Pagoda should. There’s no smoke, ample power, and crisp shifting. The A/C system and heat work as they should. The Becker stereo functions well from its 3 speakers (left & right front kick panels and center speaker). The ‘clapping hands’ window wipers work perfectly, the oil pressure is exactly where it should be, and engine temperature is rock-solid cool.

This 280SL has benefited from sympathetic ownership, evident in the carefully selected new factory parts installed. You’ll note a new complete factory exhaust (Eberspacher), recently serviced A/C, new belts, and a tidy undercarriage, wheel wells and engine compartment all consistent with its low original miles.

CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO SEE THE LARGE VERSION (click again to see it even bigger!)

Still running her all-original leather interior—a testament to her low and easy miles:

Engine bay and under-hood originality markers (paper fuse insert, original firewall pad, spot welds, etc.)

Exterior, Interior & Trunk details:

Some of the most important images—the Undercarriage:

 . . . finally, what could constitute a buyer’s guide (photos of this car) for comparing similar models:

Factory molded black carpet-binding around shifter

Original un-refinished dash wood

Odometer/Service record research verifying actual miles: