Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode 1968

History and background

The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda was part of the W113 generation, introduced in 1963 as the successor to the 190 SL and the six-cylinder 300 SL Roadster. With this series, Mercedes-Benz sought a middle ground between comfort, performance and practicality, with an emphasis on safety and ease of use. The 280 SL, which entered production in 1967, constituted the last and most technically sophisticated version within the W113 series and remained in production until 1971.

The nickname Pagoda arose from the characteristic hardtop with the slightly concave roof surface. That design was not only stylistically distinctive, but also related to safety objectives. Combined with its sleek proportions and uncluttered design, it produced a model that has since become one of the best-known Mercedes-Benz classics. Built in a relatively limited edition, the W113 found particular appeal among an international audience seeking an open two-seater with solid construction and a high level of finish.

The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda belongs to the European deliveries and is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. Within the W113 series, only a small portion came with manual transmission, making this configuration less common. That makes the 280 SL in this version a variant with a clear place within Mercedes-Benz model history.

Characteristics and special features


The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda comes in Signal Red with a black leather interior. Included with the car is a hardtop, while air conditioning is also available. In addition, this 280 SL features a rare optional third seat in the rear. That element fits within the period when Mercedes-Benz supplied some models with additional utility options, without substantially changing the basic design of the car.

Only about 10% of the W113 series was built with a manual transmission. The four-speed manual transmission thus gives this Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda a less common specification within the series. The combination of European delivery, the manual transmission, the hardtop and the extra seat make this example a version with several distinctive factory options.

The car comes with several invoices. The paintwork shows several imperfections. For a classic model like the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda, the combination of documentation and specific execution is relevant for the identification of the specimen within the W113 generation.

Summary

This 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is a European version of the W113 series, with four-speed manual transmission, hardtop, air conditioning and a rare third seat in the rear. The car is finished in Signal Red with black leather interior and comes with various invoices. The paintwork shows several imperfections. To get a good idea of the lot we recommend coming to the viewing day.