To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Miami event, 27 - 28 February 2025.

• Beautifully restored, California-delivered Pagoda with sought-after updates
• Treasured by just three recorded owners since new
• Finished in its factory-correct Light Ivory exterior with matching hardtop and disc wheels; red leather upholstery with black convertible soft-top
• Desirably equipped with Frigiking air-conditioning system, Becker Grand Prix radio with Bluetooth module, and Hirschmann automatic antenna
• Accompanied by tools, manuals, factory data card copy, and Pagoda auxiliary hardtop

The elegant styling and undeniable appeal of the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “Pagoda” made the German two-seater popular at the time of its first availability in the 1960s, and its long-lasting charm has sustained demand as a coveted collector car ever since.

Introduced in 1963 as the 230 SL, the new-generation W113 Mercedes-Benz roadster was designed by Paul Bracq; the model earned its “Pagoda” nickname thanks to the distinctive concave removable hardtop that owners could install for all-weather driving. The 280 SL represents the last iteration of the beloved W113 model, with its larger-displacement 2.8-liter version of the inline-six engine and a host of other refinements over its predecessors.

This beautifully restored US-market 280 SL is presented today in its original exterior color of Light Ivory (DB 670 G) with a matching Pagoda hardtop. Completed in January 1970 for delivery to California, the car was desirably specified with single-piece disc wheel covers, tinted glass, Becker radio, single driver’s side mirror, bumper guards, a rear kinder seat, US instrumentation, power steering, and a floor-mounted automatic transmission.

Though originally fitted with a comparatively mundane interior trimmed with Cognac leather, brown carpets, and a beige convertible top, it has been refitted with a much more exciting color palette featuring red leather, red carpets, and a spotless black cloth top. This 280 SL also benefits from one other notable and highly desirable upgrade: a factory-type Frigiking air-conditioning system that is supplied by a compressor of modern manufacture. The car’s rebuilt Becker Europa Grand Prix radio has been supplied with a Bluetooth module, although the unit remains paired with the correct-type Hirschmann automatic antenna.

This 280 SL remained with its original owner until 2011, when it was purchased by its second owner and moved to Florida. During another decade of enjoyment, this car’s second owner commissioned marque specialists to complete the stellar restoration which the car still wears today, and it was thusly purchased by the consignor in early 2022.

A timeless classic that has only become more desirable as the years have passed, this attractive 280 SL is a delightful and approachable example of this storied model.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/mi25/.