The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SL was a significant departure from the W198 300 SL that came before it. Instead of making a race car for the road, Mercedes-Benz shifted its focus to building a superb touring car with greater mass-market appeal. Offered in three engine variants – the 230 SL, 250 SL, and the highest-performing 280 SL – the W113 was a sales success with nearly 49,000 units built, and a significant number of those were sold in the US.

This gorgeous 280 SL is a European-specification example, finished in Light Ivory with brown soft and hard tops, featuring a red interior and four-speed manual gearbox. The consignor notes that when he purchased it from Pagoda specialists Motoring Investments in San Diego, it was quite original, still retaining the last three digits of the body number on its hood and even the rarely seen original factory data card.

To take it to the next level, Motoring Investments performed various mechanical work and installed a high-quality, red leather interior. The original carpet was changed with correct replacement multi-loop carpet, and a period-correct-style Frigiking air-conditioning system was fitted. Additionally, the 280 SL received a stereo upgrade utilizing an original-look Becker head unit. The work carried out on this outstanding, late-production 280 SL, documented by photos and records on file, make it an even better touring car and a highly usable classic.