“Survivor”
1971 was the last year that the Mercedes two-seat roadster “Pagoda” W-113 was made. Of the almost 50,000 Pagoda models produced from 1963 – 1971, only 830 were produced in 1971. In two years, this car will celebrate its 50th “birthday”. With a few minor exceptions, this 1971 Mercedes 280 SL is all original. We bought the car in 2014 from the 4th owner who owned it the longest (11 years). Previous to his ownership, his mechanic owned it after purchasing it from the daughter of the deceased original owner. It is Ivory White (original color) with Cognac interior. The car has its original carpeting and the interior is MB Tex cognac brown, also original. The driver’s seat was recovered at some point, and the radio has been replaced. Wheel covers are original and match the paint color of the car.
The pagoda hard top is in great shape and comes with a moveable stand. The soft top is a medium brown and has a small tear behind the driver; but it is rarely used as we either use the Pagoda hard top or drive the car with the top completely down. The soft top folds and stows as designed into the compartment behind the driver and passenger.
The car has been driven weekly and occasionally driven out of town for a 3 –hour trek from Raleigh to the NC mountains.
After assuming the car had a replacement engine since the motor number wasn't on a metal plate as many indicated it should be, I took a tooth brush and cleaned on the block where the plate should be found, the motor number on the block was found and it's the original as indicated on the car data card. It isn't easy to photograph but it is stamped into the block. Thanks to the Classic Mercedes Center for encouraging me to continue to look.
Maintenance
Maintenance records starting in 2002 from the previous owner are available.
A 1-2-3 electronic distributor was installed 2 years ago. The automatic transmission
shifter bushings have been replaced. New tires and battery were installed in 2017.
