The weather has been delightful lately, perfect for open-top cruising. What could be lovelier than an evening drive in a Pagoda-topped SL?
The Mercedes-Benz (W113) two-seat roadster/coupé was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Production of the 230SL ran from 1963 through 1971, and the larger-engined 280 SL made during 1967-71. MB made 48,912 W113 SLs, with 19,440 destined for the US shores.
Known as the “Pagoda” the 280SL is an elegant and understated 2-door 2-seater. The soft top also came with a removable hard top. Its one of the lovely cars of the 1960s: Simple, well-proportioned, and built like a bank vault.
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Fuel-injected, 2,778cc engine six-cylinder engine
• M130 engine produced 168 hp @5750
Pagoda ownership was more about understated style and grace than outright speed. The car was a sporty GT, not an outright speedster.
When new, the 1970 280 SL, prices ranged from $6,485−$7,909. Adjusted for inflation since 1970, that is the equivalent in 2022 dollars of $50,146.55 – $61,157.91.
I have almost bought one of these many times, but never quite found the right car or the right price. If you want a project, you can find one at $25-45k; Clean drivers go for $50-75k; 90-point concourse versions sell for 6 figures plus.
I really like the white exterior with a navy blue interior combo like this beauty below (with a clue canvas soft top and removable white aluminum hard top); It was (yet another Reserve Not Met) bid to $62,000 but failed to sell.
Source: Bring A Trailer
