Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Supercar Fest 2026 on Saturday the 16th of May, Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northampton, NN6 0BN. The Mercedes-Benz 280SL represents the ultimate evolution of the celebrated W113 series, a model that successfully combined sporting performance with refinement and everyday usability. Produced from 1967 to 1971, the 280SL benefitted from the enlarged 2. 8-litre fuel-injected straight-six engine, delivering improved torque and flexibility over its predecessors and cementing its reputation as a true grand tourer.
Styled under the direction of Paul Bracq, the W113’s clean, elegant lines and distinctive concave hardtop – which gave rise to the ‘Pagoda’ nickname – remain among the most recognisable designs of the era. Equally at home on fast European touring routes as it is in urban settings, the 280SL offers a uniquely balanced driving experience, combining assured road manners with robust engineering and timeless appeal.
The example offered here was delivered new to the United States and is understood to have benefitted from extensive refurbishment in more recent years, prior to its acquisition by our vendor. Supplied with both its factory hardtop and soft top, the car presents as a well-maintained and usable example of this increasingly sought-after model.
Like many W113s, this car reflects the model’s evolution from a sporting roadster into a more refined and comfortable grand tourer, with automatic transmission and a specification suited to relaxed touring. Over the years, the 280SL has become one of the most collectable classic Mercedes-Benz models, valued for its engineering integrity, elegant styling and ease of ownership.
Purchased by our vendor last year, this Pagoda is now offered for sale as an attractive opportunity to acquire a well-sorted example of a true motoring icon. With its combination of provenance, recent refurbishment and enduring desirability, it represents a compelling entry into classic Mercedes-Benz ownership and remains as appealing today as it was over half a century ago.
