This European-market 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL roadster shows 11,634 miles at the time of this cataloging. Finished in Silver Grey Metallic over a Black MB-Tex interior, this W113 is now offered with a matching hardtop, records, tools, a trunk mat, and a clear title.

Boasting timeless design by Paul Bracq and assembled from 1963 through 1971, the W113 (or “Pagoda,” as it would become known) managed to balance sports-car performance with touring luxury. This 280SL was manufactured in Stuttgart in January 1969 and first originated in the German market. Later in life, it was imported to the United States and its instruments were converted to U.S. specifications. Notwithstanding, the characteristic and desirable European-style headlights and bumpers remained, giving the car a distinctive look on American roads.

Within the last five years, this Pagoda has received extensive, detail-oriented maintenance by Autobahn Power of Wichita. The scope of work has included (but is not limited to): differential fluid, engine oil, power steering system, lighting, suspension, clutch, brakes, alternator, fuel system, thermostat, hoses, and more. Receipts for mechanical parts and labor exceed $30,000. The soft top has also been replaced, and all exterior finishes have been professionally fine-tuned for show-level presentation. 

This Pagoda delivers a blend of sophisticated style, solid reliability, and high collector value. Complete with its desirable four-speed manual transmission and a long list of recent service, this is without a doubt one of the best-sorted, most turn-key-ready Pagodas on the market.

Exterior

Interior

Mechanical

This Pagoda is accompanied by over $30,000 in service history. Following are some select highlights. 

• Autobahn Power of Wichita performed the following in 2021
  • Changed differential fluid
  • Changed engine oil and filter
  • Cleaned and repacked wheel bearings
  • Cleaned power steering reservoir
  • Cleaned valve cover and replaced gasket
  • Drained and refilled transmission fluid
  • Installed and adjusted Hella H4 headlights
  • Installed new clutch slave cylinder and hose
  • Installed new fuel hoses, heater hoses, and clamps
  • Lubed front suspension
  • Rechromed bumpers
  • Repaired brake fluid sensors, bled brakes
  • Replaced alternator belt, fuel filter, horn connections, NGK iridium spark plugs, thermostat, and radiator hoses
  • Retorqued head bolts

• ICS Collision Center in Derby, Kansas performed the following in 2021 
  • Four-wheel alignment
  • Body refinishing

• Mo’s Shop in Wichita performed the following between 2016 and 2019:
  • Replaced power steering front pump seal
  • Replaced rear axle boot
  • Rekeyed door locks and trunk lock
  • Replaced differential fluid
  • Replaced power steering hose

The car’s data sheet decodes as follows:

• Build date: January 28, 1969
• Body style: Roadster
• Model: 280SL
• Engine 130.983: M130 inline-six
• Option 524: Paint preservation
• Option 531: Automatic antenna
• Options 515 and 531: Becker radio with antenna
• Option 568: Tinted glass
• Paint code: 180 (Silver Grey Metallic)
• Assembly plant: Sindelfingen

The seller has provided a gallery of photographs as well as a video of the underbody. This 1969 280SL is said to be free of substantial imperfections.

• Reproduction trunk mat
• Tools
• New-in-the-box period-correct jack
• Service records

With its distinctive design and robust engineering, the W113 Pagoda has become a highly-regarded classic in the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast realm. This brilliant Silver Grey Metallic five-speed SL has been gone through from to bottom, inside and out, to ensure that it is mechanically and cosmetically worthy of the finest collection.