Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda — Elegance, history and authenticity
The 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, belonging to the prestigious W113 series and universally known as the Pagoda because of the distinctive concave profile of its hardtop, is one of the most successful expressions of Mercedes-Benz’s sporting elegance. It combines timeless design, high-quality engineering, driving comfort and advanced technical solutions for its era.
This example features an elegant Bordeaux metallic exterior, Mercedes-Benz paint code 576, complemented by parchment-coloured MB-Tex upholstery, code 147, and a black soft top. The specification includes a removable hardtop, automatic transmission with power steering and a range of accessories of particular interest to W113 enthusiasts.
The car’s appeal lies not only in the model’s enduring character, but also in its documented history, Italian historic-vehicle certifications and recorded maintenance. A particularly noteworthy item is the complete overhaul of the automatic transmission in 2019, supported by a comprehensive photographic record of the work, which accompanies the vehicle.
- Identification and main specifications
| Item | Vehicle details |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 280 SL Pagoda |
| Year of manufacture | 1969 |
| Series | W113 |
| Type / designation | 113.044 |
| Chassis number | 113.044-12-010138 |
| Engine number | 13098312006431 |
| Engine displacement | 2,800 cc |
| Fuel | Petrol |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Power steering | Yes |
| Odometer reading | 95,102 miles |
| Exterior colour | Bordeaux metallic, code 576 |
| Interior trim | Parchment MB-Tex, code 147 |
| Soft top | Black |
| Hardtop | Removable, rigid |
| Origin | United States |
| Italian registration | 2008 |
| ASI technical-characteristics certification | 2008, for registration purposes |
| Certificate of Historic and Collectible Status | 2024 |
| ASI registration recorded on the vehicle registration document | 2024 |
Odometer note: The figure of 95,102 is reproduced as supplied, without assuming that it represents kilometres. The car was imported from the United States, and the documentation states that the automatic transmission was overhauled in 2019 at a recorded mileage of 92,937 miles.
- Model history and collector appeal
Introduced in 1963, the Mercedes-Benz W113 series was designed to succeed the company’s earlier sporting roadsters, combining performance, safety, comfort and distinctive styling. The design was developed under the direction of Friedrich Geiger, with Paul Bracq making an important contribution to the car’s formal language.
Its most recognisable feature is the removable hardtop with a slightly concave central roof panel. Its shape evokes the roofs of Asian pagodas, giving the model the nickname by which it is known worldwide.
The W113 range comprised three principal versions:
- 230 SL (1963–1967): the original version, powered by a 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine.
- 250 SL (1967–1968): an intermediate development featuring engine and comfort improvements.
- 280 SL (1968–1971): the final and most powerful version of the family, with a 2.8-litre six-cylinder engine and an excellent balance of performance and flexibility.
The 280 SL represents the most mature development of the Pagoda concept. Today, it is particularly valued for its classic design, robust engineering, touring comfort and distinctive identity, which remains appealing more than half a century later.
Production and rarity
Approximately 48,912 cars were produced across the entire W113 range, including all three engine versions. Around 23,885 were 280 SL models, manufactured between 1968 and 1971.
These figures do not make the 280 SL exceptionally rare in absolute terms. Its collector value depends instead on its condition, originality, correspondence of identifying numbers, quality of any restoration work and completeness of its documentation.
In this example, particular points of interest include its US-market specification, automatic transmission and power steering, removable hardtop, factory equipment listed on the original data card and documented Italian ownership history.
- Technical characteristics
Engine and performance
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz M130-family engine: a petrol inline-six with a displacement of 2,778 cc, commonly described as a 2.8-litre engine.
- Engine: M130 inline-six, 2,778 cc, petrol, Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
- Transmission: automatic, with power steering.
- Chassis and suspension: unitary body construction, independent front suspension and a rear axle geometry designed to improve stability and road behaviour.
- Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels.
- Power: commonly quoted at approximately 170 hp in European specification, with possible differences according to market, homologation and measurement standard.
The M130 is particularly appreciated for its smooth running, progressive power delivery and long-distance touring capabilities when properly maintained. The automatic transmission promotes relaxed driving, while power steering makes manoeuvring easier.
The combination of a front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced handling and a comfortable cabin defines the 280 SL as an elegant grand touring roadster rather than an extreme sports car.
- Bodywork, colours and interior
Exterior — code 576: The original data card describes the exterior colour as 576 red. The car’s supplied description identifies it as Bordeaux metallic. The deep shade complements the chrome details and black soft top.
Interior — code 147: The parchment-coloured MB-Tex trim gives the cabin a bright, elegant appearance. MB-Tex is a durable synthetic upholstery material used by Mercedes-Benz; it should not be confused with natural leather.
Dual-roof configuration: The equipment includes the characteristic removable Pagoda hardtop and a black fabric soft top. The car can therefore be enjoyed both as an elegant coupé and as an open roadster.
The combination of Bordeaux metallic paint, parchment interior and black roof creates a restrained, classic contrast consistent with Mercedes-Benz styling of the late 1960s.
- Factory equipment and original data-card codes
The attached Mercedes-Benz document lists the following codes and descriptions. All entries have been retained and translated or standardised for clarity.
| Code | Equipment or specification |
| 576 | Red exterior paint, described for this car as Bordeaux metallic |
| 147 | Parchment-coloured MB-Tex interior |
| 416 | Removable hardtop |
| 426 | Automatic transmission and power steering |
| 440 | Bumpers with front and rear overriders |
| 461 | Instruments graduated in miles |
| 491 | US-market version |
| 503 | Left-hand exterior mirror |
| 524 | Paint protection |
| 533 | Radio interference suppression, without radio |
| 598 | Heat-insulating glass |
| 600 | Decorative trim strips for the hardtop |
| 641 | Whitewall tyres |
| 669 | VE I shipping packaging and 10 litres of fuel |
| 740 | Black fabric soft top |
The mile-calibrated instruments and code 491 confirm the US-market specification recorded on the data card. The bumpers with overriders, heat-insulating glass, whitewall tyres and decorative hardtop trim further characterise the car’s appearance and equipment.
Identification numbers listed on the original document
- Engine: 13098312006431
- Transmission: 000883
- Vehicle history and documented maintenance
The car was imported from the United States and obtained ASI certification of its technical characteristics in 2008 for the purpose of registration in Italy.
It was registered in Italy in the same year and assigned to its first Italian owner. In 2015, it passed to its second owner, who has reportedly cared for it meticulously ever since.
According to the supplied information, the vehicle has undergone all mandatory periodic roadworthiness inspections throughout the years.
A particularly significant maintenance operation took place in 2019, when, at a recorded mileage of 92,937 miles, the automatic transmission was completely overhauled by a specialist company. The work is documented in a comprehensive photographic book covering the entire repair process, which is supplied with the car. This record allows the work performed to be examined in detail and adds transparency to the vehicle’s maintenance history.
In 2024, the car received the Certificate of Historic and Collectible Status. In the same year, its ASI registration was recorded on the Italian vehicle registration document, confirming its status as a vehicle of historic and collectible interest.
The documentary sequence — technical certification in 2008, Italian registration, transfer to the second owner in 2015, transmission overhaul in 2019 and historic certification in 2024 — provides a meaningful basis for reconstructing the car’s history in Italy.
- Overall assessment
This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda combines several features of clear interest to enthusiasts: the 2.8-litre engine, automatic transmission with power steering, US-market specification, hardtop, black soft top, parchment MB-Tex interior and Bordeaux metallic bodywork.
Its documented Italian history, ASI certifications from 2008 and 2024, reported continuity of periodic inspections and comprehensive automatic-transmission overhaul in 2019, supported by photographic evidence, are all relevant aspects of its presentation.
The appeal of the 280 SL lies not only in production figures but in its balance of design, engineering and usability. In this example, the original data-card specification and documented maintenance history provide a solid foundation for presenting the car to Mercedes-Benz collectors and classic-car enthusiasts.
