1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. 113.044.12.018774
Engine No. 130983.12.012378
Transmission No. 007146

As sophisticated and stylish as the day of its 1963 Geneva Motor Show debut, the Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda" remains the gold standard for design and engineering excellence. Known internally as the W113, it replaced the 190 SL and 300 SL with a single range, establishing the SL as a versatile all-season sports tourer. Designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi penned the crisp, elegant body under the direction of Friedrich Geiger highlighted, of course, by Barenyi's patented concave hardtop, earning it the sobriquet Pagoda. Like only the best designs, the W113 SL has proven timeless in its appeal.

From the penultimate production year of the W113 Pagoda, this fully evolved 280 SL boasts high originality, matching numbers components, and professional restoration and maintenance work performed. According to a copy of the original build sheet Data Karte, this 280 SL finished production at the Mercedes-Benz factory on 16 June 1970, destined for the U.S. market, finished as it appears today in Deep Red (576) over a Black MB Tex interior.

The 280 SL was in 2012 acquired through noted Mercedes-Benz restorer and concours judge Bob Platz and his Precision Autoworks by the consignor, and has since formed part of their impressive Los Angeles, California-based collection, kept in climate-controlled environment while driven sparingly. According to restoration files provided by Mr. Platz, the 280 SL had been acquired new by a Dr. Rosenbush of Pikesville, Maryland. Dr. Rosenbush sold the car in 1984 to a Mr. Reif of Baltimore, Maryland, before the previous owner; Mr. Abbott of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania acquired the car in 1993 with around 70,000 original miles recorded. Mr. Abbott entrusted the Pagoda with Bob Platz for a two and a half-year partial restoration, documented by over $75,000 worth of restoration receipts on file, including a repaint of the car in the original color and chrome work, in addition to cosmetic refurbishments to undercarriage and compartments, and various mechanical work.

Today the 280 SL shows beautifully throughout, with the 576 Deep Red exterior paint redone to by Mr. Platz still in very nice condition, while the interior appears to be original, with the exception of the carpets, which were recently professionally replaced by the factory correct type and color. A recent inspection reveals that the original engine and transmission remain in the car, and inside, next to the classic Becker Grand Prix radio, is the period Frigiking air conditioning system fitted, of the correct type which the Mercedes-Benz dealers would offer to these cars in the early 1970s, as the factory didn't offer that option.

Body number 3453 is stamped on panels, which display very good fit, and original spotwelds reveal a sound car spared from neglect. The engine compartment and undercarriage are equally impressive, displaying correct, clean finishes. A black convertible top is fitted, renewed at some stage as well. The 280 SL is offered with its restoration records of Mr. Platz's work, original manuals in a pouch, including an owner's manual, service book stamped with chassis number, Becker radio manual and a digital copy of the Mercedes-Benz issued Data Card.

Cherished and lovingly maintained, kept for the past 14 years in the mild Southern California climate, this handsome 280 SL offers relaxed open-air motoring with the option to turn on the air-conditioning on a hot day. With all-season practicality it offers the opportunity for myriad driving experiences, from cruising the California coast to exploring the winding mountain roads of New England in autumn.