MERCEDES BENZ PAGODA SL280 DAIMLER BENZ AG

At the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, Daimler-Benz AG unveiled a closely guarded secret: the new SL. For the first time, the new SL was presented to the public, designed to succeed both the 190 SL and the legendary 300 SL. This is a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (W113) Pagoda, featuring the 2.8-litre straight-six engine producing 170 HP. The combination of Light Beige (181) exterior paint and Tobacco leather is a particularly elegant classic Mercedes specification. The modern, cleanly styled bodywork and luxurious, light filled interior perfectly reflected the spirit of the era. The doors, which extend unusually far forward, made getting in and out remarkably easy for a sports car. The generous glass areas also provided excellent all round visibility. The New SL was equally impressive from a technical perspective. Its powerful six-cylinder fuel injected engine delivered above average performance. The standard four speed manual gearbox could optionally be upgraded with a fifth gear, or for the first time in an SL buyers could choose a modern automatic transmission. Power steering was also available, offering a level of comfort that was well ahead of its time in the 1960s. It is no surprise that the model immediately became a major sales success. Mercedes-Benz had created the perfect successor to its legendary predecessors. Why is it called the Pagoda? The optional hardtop was responsible for giving this model its famous nickname. The unusual inward curving central section of the roof gave the SL a sporty, dynamic appearance while also resembling the distinctive roof structures of traditional Japanese pagodas. From that moment onwards, the name "Pagoda" became inseparably associated with this generation of Mercedes-Benz SL. Just under 49,000 vehicles were manufactured in total, with more than half exported internationally. Within the long and prestigious history of Mercedes-Benz SL models, the Pagoda has secured its own special place and remains firmly established as a classic among enthusiasts. Its timeless styling, straightforward engineering, reassuring availability of spare parts and particularly easy everyday usability have helped its fan community grow continuously over the years. This Particular Vehicle 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was delivered to its first owner in the United States in 1971, making it one of the final examples produced. In 2009, during the period when many Pagodas were being brought back from America to Germany, this particular car returned to its homeland via the Netherlands. A comprehensive, professional restoration was immediately undertaken by a renowned authorised Mercedes-Benz dealer. The restoration was completed in 2010, when the vehicle was handed over to its new owner. Over the following five years, the car covered approximately 13000 kilometres. Its maintenance and servicing were very carefully documented by its owner. To this day, this beautiful Pagoda remains in outstanding condition, ready to be enjoyed.