For Sale at Auction: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL in Carmel, California

Chassis No. 113.044.12.022802
Engine No. 130.983.12.015519

Completed in 1971, this 280 SL was delivered new through L.P. Evans Mercedes-Benz of Miami, Florida, to Donald G. Rosenberg, M.D., the longtime medical director of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Over the course of his distinguished career, Dr. Rosenberg helped transform emergency medical response in the United States, pioneering advancements in pre-hospital care including paramedic-administered EKG interpretation, clot-busting drug deployment, and the implementation of what became the nation's largest AED program in police vehicles. Under his leadership, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue emerged as a national model for emergency medical services.

A copy of the car's original Florida title confirms issuance on 18 May 1971. The accompanying factory equipment reflects a thoughtfully specified example, ordered in elegant Blue (903) over a Parchment (144) MB-Tex interior and equipped with a matching removable hardtop. Additional factory options included power steering, automatic transmission, bumper guard overriders, heat-insulating glass, trim strips for the hardtop, heated rear window, whitewall tires, left-side outside rearview mirror, and instrumentation with English lettering and mileage readings. Not listed on the Data Card as it was a dealer installed option, the under dash mounted Frigiking air conditioning unit is likely to have cooled this car since new.

Retained by the original owner through at least 2014, the Pagoda was entrusted to Unique Cars of Coral Gables for a comprehensive cosmetic restoration in 2019. It was during this time that the car was refinished in its original Blue color scheme, including a correctly finished gray trunk compartment. Numerous rubber components were replaced throughout the process, and it is believed that the U.S.-market side-marker lights were removed at that time in favor of more elegant Rest of World-style headlamps, lending the car a notably cleaner and more European appearance. In total, over $140,000 was invested in the restoration of this highly attractive 280 SL.

Entering The Casa Bella Macchina Collection in 2025, this well-optioned and visually striking Pagoda presents as an exceptionally refined example of Mercedes-Benz's iconic roadster, further distinguished by its fascinating long-term original ownership and careful restoration.