The W113 series, which consists of the 230SL, 250SL and 280SL, was regarded as one of the best designs that has ever come out of Stuttgart, thanks to the work of Paul Bracq, Friedrich Geiger and Béla Barény. The iconic styling, most notably with a unique concave on the hardtop, is what led to the nickname “Pagoda”.
First unveiled at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, W113 series is based on the same platform as the W111 Fintail, but in a shorter package, with its technological features derived from the W112 (also known as the 300SE). The 280SL was the final evolution of the W113 when it was unveiled in December 1967. Despite the “SL” name initially standing for “Sport Leicht” (German for “Sports Lights”), the 280SL was a heavier car unlike its predecessors, the 190SL and 300SL. Instead, the 280SL was more of a grand tourer than a sports car, while still employing many sophisticated technologies which weren’t mainstream at that time. Among those features was the engine, powered by a 2.8-litre inline-six engine, which featured fuel injection and overhead camshaft.
The engine’s output is rated at 170 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, which made it the most powerful model in the W113 series at that time. Another rare feature for a car from the 1960s was a set of disc brakes in all four wheels. As a result, it can go from 0-100 mph in 8.6 seconds and be able to stop 233 feet, when going from 70 mph, making it ideal as a daily driver especially when closing the hard top. Buyers have an option for a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, the latter was popular, especially among US buyers at that time. Production of the W113 line ended in 1971, with a total number of 48,912 units and 23,885 of them are the 280SL including the US-spec model.
This example features a stunning “Gold Metallic” finish, complemented by a tanned interior and beige soft top. The car has 3,814 kilometers on the odometer, indicating that this 280SL is in excellent condition, especially considering it is a 54-year-old car.
VIN: 113 044 12 009633
Mileage: 3814 kilometers
Year/Make/Model: 280SL Pagoda
