1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda (Red)

1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda

Auction Estimate $100,000 ? $125,000

• Two Tone Paint Red and Black
• Two Owner Car
• Two Tops, Color keyed Wheel Covers
• Books Records and Tools
• 66,000 Original Miles

The encore to the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL and 300 SL was the charming little 230 SL first introduced at the 1962 Frankfurt Auto Show. With the new W110 sedan series car making its debut in 1959, emphasis was more focused on safety and comfort. Mercedes pioneered crumple zones and this design was now being marketed across all Mercedes Benz models. The new two seat roadster was billed as one of the world?s safest sports cars with ergonomically correct seating design and collapsible steering column. The early 4 spd 230 SL cars produced a respectable 150 hp and could be ordered with the optional automatic transmission. In 1971, the last of the Pagoda Styled two seaters came with a 170 hp inline six cylinder motor and minor interior and exterior cosmetic enhancements.

The stylish SL before you is a two owner car that was originally delivered in Europe. It was ordered from the factory in an attractive period color combination of red with a two tone brown interior. Uniquely, it also came with a black hard and soft top with color-keyed wheel covers. The car retains all the original sheet metal, has had one previous repaint and comes with books and records. The interior is all original and shows minimal wear retaining the original Becker radio and aftermarket air conditioning. This 66 thousand mile car is equipped with a manual 4 spd transmission and runs out strong. Since this is a European SL model, it is devoid of side marker lights or bumper guards giving this SL a much cleaner look. This second-generation Mercedes-Benz roadster is a nice example of the ultimate Pagoda and simultaneously a car that can be driven daily or used for show.