For Sale at Auction: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Auburn, Indiana

Introduced in 1963 as the successor to the beloved 190SL and the racing-bred 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz W113 "Pagoda" series marked a turning point for Mercedes-Benz. Designed under the direction of Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi, the W113 blended crisp, modern styling with a strong emphasis on safety and structural integrity, values that increasingly defined the brand through the 1960s. Its nickname, "Pagoda," was derived from the subtly concave hardtop roof, a design both elegant and functional, improving strength and visibility. Mechanically, the W113 evolved steadily throughout its production. Early models included the 230SL and later the 250SL, but it was the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 280SL in 1967 that represented the platform's most refined and capable form. Powered by a 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder engine featuring Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the 280SL delivered smooth, reliable performance with an emphasis on grand touring comfort rather than outright sportiness. This balance of usability, durability, and understated luxury became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering during the era. By 1971, the final year of W113 production, the 280SL Roadster stood as a fully matured expression of the model's original concept. Refinements in suspension, braking, and interior appointments made it one of the most usable open sports cars of its time. Buyers could enjoy the versatility of a removable hardtop alongside a folding soft top, effectively creating a car suited for all seasons and conditions. Today, the 1971 280SL Roadster represents the culmination of nearly a decade of thoughtful development. It embodies Mercedes-Benz's transition into a modern luxury manufacturer, one focused not only on performance, but on safety, engineering excellence, and everyday drivability, qualities that continue to define the brand to this day. A lovely example of '70s class in motion, is this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster that was under the same care of one owner from 2007 until 2024. Finished in a lovely blue, it underwent a cosmetic refresh in the early 2010s. Matching the body, this Benz features a color-matched removable hardtop, and 14-inch steel wheels with painted covers, and is also fitted with a blue convertible soft top. The cabin houses bucket seats that have been reupholstered in Parchment MB-Tex material. At the same time, the carpets were replaced and the door panels were inlaid with new upholstery. Other interior appointments include a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio, an analog clock, a floor-mounted automatic shifter, air-conditioning, and two-spoke steering wheel. In 2012, the speedometer was rebuilt. Mechanically, this Benz features a 2.8-litre M130 inline six with Bosch fuel injection. Factory rated at 195 horsepower, it's paired with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. It features a highly detailed engine bay. The final year of the beloved W113, this lovely blue 280SL is German power at its finest and offers its custodians an example that can be enjoyed top up or down with wonderful roadgoing manners. * Final year of W113 production
* Air-conditioning, power steering, and power brakes
* Finished in a highly attractive blue
* Accompanied by a color-matched hardtop and black soft top

Introduced in 1963 as the successor to the beloved 190SL and the racing-bred 300SL, the Mercedes-Benz W113 "Pagoda" series marked a turning point for Mercedes-Benz. Designed under the direction of Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi, the W113 blended crisp, modern styling with a strong emphasis on safety and structural integrity, values that increasingly defined the brand through the 1960s. Its nickname, "Pagoda," was derived from the subtly concave hardtop roof, a design both elegant and functional, improving strength and visibility.

Mechanically, the W113 evolved steadily throughout its production. Early models included the 230SL and later the 250SL, but it was the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 280SL in 1967 that represented the platform's most refined and capable form. Powered by a 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder engine featuring Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the 280SL delivered smooth, reliable performance with an emphasis on grand touring comfort rather than outright sportiness. This balance of usability, durability, and understated luxury became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz engineering during the era.

By 1971, the final year of W113 production, the 280SL Roadster stood as a fully matured expression of the model's original concept. Refinements in suspension, braking, and interior appointments made it one of the most usable open sports cars of its time. Buyers could enjoy the versatility of a removable hardtop alongside a folding soft top, effectively creating a car suited for all seasons and conditions.

Today, the 1971 280SL Roadster represents the culmination of nearly a decade of thoughtful development. It embodies Mercedes-Benz's transition into a modern luxury manufacturer, one focused not only on performance, but on safety, engineering excellence, and everyday drivability, qualities that continue to define the brand to this day.

A lovely example of '70s class in motion, is this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster that was under the same care of one owner from 2007 until 2024. Finished in a lovely blue, it underwent a cosmetic refresh in the early 2010s. Matching the body, this Benz features a color-matched removable hardtop, and 14-inch steel wheels with painted covers, and is also fitted with a blue convertible soft top.

The cabin houses bucket seats that have been reupholstered in Parchment MB-Tex material. At the same time, the carpets were replaced and the door panels were inlaid with new upholstery. Other interior appointments include a Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio, an analog clock, a floor-mounted automatic shifter, air-conditioning, and two-spoke steering wheel. In 2012, the speedometer was rebuilt.

Mechanically, this Benz features a 2.8-litre M130 inline six with Bosch fuel injection. Factory rated at 195 horsepower, it's paired with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. It features a highly detailed engine bay. The final year of the beloved W113, this lovely blue 280SL is German power at its finest and offers its custodians an example that can be enjoyed top up or down with wonderful roadgoing manners.