CALIFORNIACLASSIX 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Roadster {66 Photos}

The legendary 280SL "Pagoda" Roadster is a true automobile icon, ommunicating the joie de vivre of the free-spirited 1960s with its sexy bodywork and unbridled performance. It is more athletic and better-equipped than its predecessors. Power steering, our-wheel power disc brakes, ir conditioning: all three were available on the W113.

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When new, 80SLs were very expensive and highly exclusive. Yet, any of these wonderful cars were eaten alive by the merciless rust cancer. To refurbish a car with many needs is almost always a losing proposition. And to buy one that has been completely restored will take very deep pockets. Ideally, ou want to find a well-cared-for example such as this Deep Maroon beauty.

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The Roadster presented here was very recently refreshed as needed, ith new chrome plating, eatherstripping, pholstery, estored wood trim, ubframe bushings, /C and transmission service, nd a thorough tune-up. A professional appraisal stating it to be valued at $74,500.00 accompanies the car.

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Built in October of 1970 as a 1971 model, IN *113.044-12-021867* appears to be a perfectly rust and accident free car, quipped with both tops, font>air conditioning, ower steering, ower brakes, nd AM/FM Stereo. Rolling stock consists of a set of correct narrow-whitewall 195/75-14 MICHELIN radials in near-new condition.

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With the factory steel pagoda hardtop mounted, he SL is weather-tight and could be driven throughout the colder months, f desired.

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With the hardtop stored away and the canvas top up, he Coupe morphs into a stylish convertible.

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The tan canvas soft top is a special order item. It's in perfect condition, ithout any rips or fading. Rear window is crystal clear.

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The Pagoda's svelte coachwork features uniform door and hood gaps. Front fenders still show factory spot welds and "ridges" adjacent to the headlights.
Paint is factory correct gray-beige (M-B code 158) over dark maroon (M-B code 460), ith gray-beige hub caps, s per the small, etal option tag affixed to the engine bay. The period color combination's smooth and glossy finish looks very impressive. There are no bubbles, cratches, ents, ock chips or other imperfections that would cause the new owner sleepless nights. The lavish chrome trim is in excellent condition throughout; the headlight bezels are brand new.

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The mechanical aspects of the 280SL are not to be neglected. Inside an immaculately clean, argely original engine bay rests the strong heart of the Roadster, ts fuel injected 2.8-liter overhead cam inline-6 motor.

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Having an excellent reputation as being almost bullet-proof, ith its 7 main bearings and the factory-installed oil cooler, i>Der Motor always starts at the first turn of the key, uns exceptionally strong, nd shows no signs of any bad habits, uch as smoking or (oil) drinking.
The under dash A/C system was fully serviced and blows ice cold air on demand.

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Inside the flawless cockpit, he 280SL roadster's painted dash communicates the opulence of the 1960s, ith intricate chrome fittings, eeply varnished, uthentic burled walnut wood veneer, instriped VDO gauges, nd a vintage-looking radio that features modern internals, llowing for connnection with an auxiliary source, uch as a iPhone.

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Above photos show the interior in more detail. Of special note should be the rust free rear pans, known weak spot on all W113 cars.

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All locks, witches, ights, nd gauges work as they should.

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The entire interior was sensibly restored. During the course of restoration, he seats were completely rebuilt, ncluding the horsehair pads, he carpet was replaced with the original, xpensive, erman material, ll of the wood trim was replaced with burled walnut, nd a new canvas convertible top was installed. Since this car had always been garaged, he original door cards were still immaculate and have been retained.
Note factory door tags. Small details such as this set a well-cared for, riginal car apart from the rest.

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This is not a photo out of a factory brochure; we took it last week, ight here in our California showroom.

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Before we go on a test drive, et's check out trunk and undercarriage!

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The SL's sizeable luggage compartment looks every bit as spectacular as the rest of the car.
From the original, ibbed, ray rubber mat to the fitted spare tire cover to the complete-looking factory tool kit: everything you would want to see on a show-ready SL is here. The only thing absent is the usual, oisture-induced trunk corrosion most SLs suffer from!

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Above photos show the undercarriage in more detail.

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While good looks and health are certainly important, et's not forget that cars are meant to be driven. Hence, he bottom line: what's it like to drive this 44-year-old in today's traffic?

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November 30th, hen we took these photos, as just another lovely day in paradise. Starting our journey in Santa Barbara, e lowered the top, urned on the efficient heater and had a blast, ipping down to Ventura, nd from there to picturesque Ojai.

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Exercising this SL feels simply heavenly! The expertly refurbished steering and suspension are as tight as a new car's. No excessive play, o shakes or shimmies here! The automatic 4-speed transmission's shift points are precise; the power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes stop the car with authority. During the five decades we've been involved with classic European sports cars, e've hardly ever encountered a Mercedes Pagoda SL that drives as perfectly as this one. It's ready for a road trip of any length, ight now.

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Prices for fully equipped, wo-top 280SL Pagoda Roadsters in excellent condition have doubled and tripled during the past few years. Especially the 1971 models seem to be in high demand, aking them smart investments along with being superb drivers' cars. Now's the time to secure one of the "best of the last" W113 SLs for much less than the cost of a restoration.

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Christmas is almost here - the perfect time to give yourself the gift of a classic Mercedes!

You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, y appointment, uring the auction, r have someone inspect it for you. Please, erform your due diligence before you bid.
Please, ote that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551.

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