For Sale: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Saint Louis, Missouri

In the early 1960s, Mercedes-Benz reimagined the SL sports car, consolidating it into a single model line. The outgoing 300SL Roadster was an influential flagship but was complex and expensive to produce, while its junior sibling 190SL was high on style but lacked the performance to seriously challenge more sporting competitors. Launched in 1963, the new W113 series aimed to blend style, sophistication, and performance at a more reasonable price point. Like the 190SL before it, the new 230SL chassis shared standard components with the contemporary sedan line to keep development and production costs in check. Mercedes-Benz's designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi penned the crisp, elegant body under the direction of boss Friedrich Geiger. The team created a crisp, minimally adorned monocoque body with exquisite detailing and Berenyi's patented concave hardtop, earning it the nickname "Pagoda" for its resemblance to the traditional Japanese architecture style.
Upon introduction, the new SL was a sports car like no other on the market. It seamlessly blended the open-air experience of a traditional roadster with the insulated comfort and practicality of a continental GT cruiser. Or course it was built to a standard of quality expected from a Mercedes-Benz and delivered impressive performance in a refined and understated package.
The final evolution of the W113 arrived in 1968 with the 2.8-liter 280SL. Perhaps not as overtly sporty compared to its contemporaries, the 280SL is nevertheless remarkably capable when the going gets twisty, thanks to a finely tuned independent front/swing-axle rear suspension. The robust Bosch-injected overhead-cam inline-six produces a healthy 168bhp and 180lb-ft of torque (up from the 250SL's 148bhp), and while a manual gearbox was offered, the vast majority of cars left the factory gates equipped with the smooth-shifting four-speed automatic, which best suits the 280SL's relaxed GT-focused demeanor. Beautifully refined and with build quality that only a Mercedes-Benz can boast, the 280SL is a lively and enjoyable sports car that effortlessly plays the dual role of the sophisticated grand tourer.
Finished in a gorgeous combination of Moss Green Metallic over Palomino leather trim and a dark green soft top, this 1971 280SL is a stunning example of Mercedes-Benz's perennial classic. This stunning car was reportedly treated to a highly detailed, 18-month restoration shortly before the current owner acquired it in 2019. Once completed, it was handed to 280SL specialist Tony LaBella Classic Cars of Cherry Hill, New Jersey for detailing, expert sorting, and concours preparation. Enjoyed sparingly while in the current owner's collection, it remains in superb condition throughout.
According to the trim tag and accompanying data card, this car was originally Horizon Blue, however it was restored in this rarely seen yet highly flattering shade, and to excellent effect. Along with the green soft top, there is the requisite matching Pagoda removable hard top, and proper color-keyed full wheel covers and 185R14 Michelin whitewall rolling stock. The interior is trimmed to a high standard using authentic materials, and equipment includes original Frigiking air conditioning, a Becker radio, and as with most Pagodas, the excellent 4-speed automatic gearbox.
Detailing is impressive, and the expert's touch is evident from the proper decals, labels, and markings to the yellow zinc-plated hardware and factory-correct fittings throughout the engine compartment and undercarriage. It retains the original numbers-matching block per the Mercedes-Benz data card, and there is also set of factory owner's manuals and handbooks, complete with the stamped warranty card.
From stem to stern, this is nothing short of a gorgeous Pagoda SL, beautifully presented with desirable options and outstanding colors. It will undoubtedly impress in concours events, yet it is equally ready to cosset its occupants in air-conditioned comfort for a long day of touring: Exactly what makes the 280SL so eminently desirable among driving enthusiasts.

Offers welcome and trades considered.