1969 Mercedes W114 280 Right Hand Drive UK supplied

Mercedes Benz 280SL Pagoda Automatic

Engine size – 2778cc Straight 6 cylinder 168hp

4 owners since new

DOR 1 March 1969

Mileage 127823

2 Files of history reaching back to 11 May 1988

Silver Grey Metallic

Red Leather Interior

Italia Autosport are excited to offer for sale this beautifully restored Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagoda. This car was supplied new in March 1969 by Mercedes Benz Brentford to its original owner who specified it with Automatic transmission and Power Steering. This car has detailed records of maintenance going back to 1988. We have 2 full files and a CD covering all works carried out since 1988. These records include service, maintenance and restoration detail. In 2011 it was shipped to Stuttgart where its bodyshell was treated to a chemical strip, e-coat application and the addition of new rust protection. The quantity of invoices in the 2 files suggest that this car has never had any expense spared in its upkeep. Today it presents beautifully both aesthetically and technically. The Pagoda was one of the most technically advanced cars of the 60’s benefiting from Power Steering and a silky smooth automatic transmission. Coupled with the torque delivered by the 2778cc inline 6 cylinder engine, it is effortlessly exhilarating.

The Mercedes-Benz 280SL background - known as the "Pagoda" because of its distinctively shaped, slightly concave hardtop roof, is one of the most iconic models produced by Mercedes-Benz. The Pagoda SL series, spanning from 1963 to 1971, included the 230SL, 250SL, and ultimately the 280SL, which was manufactured from 1967 to 1971.

Development and Features:

Origins: The Pagoda models were designed by Paul Bracq and Blažej Kraječ. They were meant to replace the 190SL and the 300SL, targeting a niche market for sports cars that offered both performance and luxury.

Design

The 280SL, like its predecessors, was characterized by clean, sophisticated lines and advanced engineering. The "Pagoda" nickname came from the hardtop's unique design, which offered improved rigidity and safety, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s emphasis on passenger protection.

Engine and Performance

The 280SL was equipped with an inline-six, 2. 8-liter engine, delivering approximately 168 horsepower. It was known for its smooth power delivery and refined performance. The car was available with a four-speed manual transmission as standard, with a four-speed automatic being an option.

Innovations

The 280SL, like all Pagoda models, featured the advanced safety features of its time, including crumple zones and multi-stage door locks. It combined luxury with practicality, providing open-air driving enjoyment without sacrificing comfort.

This model was a huge success in the 1960’s and the 280 SL was the flagship. This model earned a distinguished following and owners included many celebrities of that era including Charlton Heston, Sir Sterling Moss, Sophia Loren and Princess Grace of Monaco.

Legacy and Collectability:

Today, the Mercedes-Benz 280SL holds a prestigious place among classic car enthusiasts. Its combination of timeless design, robust engineering, and rich cultural heritage has all contributed to its desirability. Restored and well-maintained examples of the 280SL are prized collectibles, often fetching considerable sums in auctions and private sales.

The 280SL remains a highlight in Mercedes-Benz’s storied history, symbolizing the marriage of elegance and innovation that the brand is known for. Its enduring legacy is maintained by collectors and clubs around the world, ensuring the Pagoda will be celebrated for generations to come.