As Mercedes was getting set to introduce the new-generation SL in 1972, they dropped production of the existing 280SL to a mere 830 cars. Most of the features remained unchanged from the previous year: All cars came equipped with a 2.8-liter inline-6 engine, and buyers had a choice of automatic or 4-speed manual transmission. A ZF 5-speed was still available, but it was not listed as an official option and only available by special request. Several new colors and interior options were offered, but the iconic “Pagoda” removable hardtop remained.
Delivered originally as a blue-on-blue car, this 280SL retains its original color combination throughout and has its original matching hardtop as well. The original matching-numbers engine runs strong and is backed by an automatic transmission. The car came equipped from the factory with a Becker radio, which is still in the car. Air conditioning was installed when new at the selling dealer. It is a North American-spec car sold new in the U.S., and features the typical tweaks found on U.S. cars, like the sealed beam headlights, amber turn-signal lenses, bumper guards and imperial gauges.
With so few cars rolling out of the factory in 1971, only a fraction of them were exported to the U.S., making this year SL the rarest of all Pagodas and one of the rarest of all years.
