1968 Mercedes Benz 280SL Pagoda 4-Speed Euro
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1968
- Make: Mercedes-Benz
- Model: 280SL
- VIN: 11304410004129
- Mileage Shown: 61,454km
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Red
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Burlingame, CA 94010
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0033053
Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and produced through 1971, the W113 is the successor to the iconic 190 SL and 300 SL roadsters. This 1968 280SL “Pagoda” European-market example comes finished in red over black MB-Tex upholstery and features a highly desirable 4-speed manual transmission paired with a 2.8-liter M130 inline-six engine. Acquired by the seller in 2003, this example is now being offered for auction on dealer consignment out of California.
The exterior and removable Pagoda hardtop of this 280SL are said to have been refinished in red and black prior to the seller’s acquisition in 2003. As a European-market example, this SL features clear-lensed headlights, red taillights, and a lack of rear bumper guards & side markers. Details also include a black soft top, a driver’s side rearview mirror, dual polished exhaust outlets, and a set of 14” wheels with black-finished covers dressed in Hankook Optima HT24 whitewall tires. The seller notes some micro-blistering on the hood, the left rear bumper is misaligned, and minor imperfections throughout the chrome trim. Additional images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin presents black MB-Tex seats and door panels along with a body-color dashboard, chrome accents, and a wood-trimmed center console. Equipment includes a heater, three-point inertia-reel seatbelts, a Becker Grand Prix radio, and aftermarket rear speakers. The seller notes the clock, courtesy lamp, and glovebox light are currently inoperable.
Beneath the hood lies a replacement 2.8-liter M139 inline-six-cylinder engine installed in 2007, driving the rear wheels by way of a rare 4-speed manual transmission. The motor and engine bay are said to have been completely restored upon installation, and differential pivot bushings/trailing arm bushings are said to have been replaced in 2012. The seller adds that there are currently no outstanding maintenance items.
This sale will include a clean title and a data card.
The seller would like you to know: “This is a nice sporting Euro-spec 280SL!”
Auction Results
- Highest Bid: $55,000
- Auction End: Aug 18, 2023 07:40:28PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 27
Comments (36)
Sorry I missed this auction. I am very interested.
Bid in the amount of $55,000
Bid in the amount of $45,000
Bid in the amount of $40,500
Bid in the amount of $39,848
Bid in the amount of $39,300
Bid in the amount of $39,048
@ mayart Thanks for the phone call this morning. As I mentioned, driving to LA should be fine but I always suggest trucking in these cases so you can familiarize yourself with the car close to home. I’m happy to store the car in my gallery until you return from your trip.
@ laguiabenz. Yes, rust free. Have a look at undercarriage and trunk floor images. Dash switch probably relates to aftermarket radio from years ago. Has no function. No major work required, has been driven regularly .
Bid in the amount of $36,250
Bid in the amount of $36,000
Bid in the amount of $34,750
Bid in the amount of $34,500
Bid in the amount of $33,200
Bid in the amount of $32,755
@seller if I win the auction, are you able to hold the car for about 10 days as I am currently travelling and will be returning to southern California on the 30th. I am planning to possibly drive the car back to LA. Is that a possibility?
Bid in the amount of $30,500
Is this a Rust Free exemplaire? What does switch do(the one besides the key switch) Also what major works does it need to be done?
Best Regards
Bid in the amount of $30,250
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $28,000
Less than 24 hours to go for this cool 280SL auction. I encourage everyone to review the photo essay. I carefully photographed what I feel are the most important areas to understand before buying any 230/250/280SL: sheet metal originality and panel gaps.
To help identify sheet metal original to the car I labelled a number of the pictures identifying correct body numbers, factory correct spot weld patterns, and body seams. You’ll also find color codes and the all important body # highlighted on the data plate image. These are the first areas I inspect on any Pagoda I’m considering buying. I’ve walked away from many attractive Pagodas that failed these inspections.
Bid in the amount of $26,000
Bid in the amount of $25,250
Bid in the amount of $25,000
It's worth noting the high level of originality of the interior in this 280SL. A high percentage of Pagodas today have very little original interior trim remaining. Replacement materials are never the same color/texture as the original materials.
With the exception of the passenger footwell carpet insert, this car retains its original carpeting. One esoteric originality cue is that it also retains its original driver's heel pad which still shows its part # just below the throttle pedal. The dash pad is original and is in excellent condition as are the visors and headliner. The MB Tex seat covers are also original as are the door panels. I feel these elements give the car wonderful patina of originality.
With 3 Pedals..these are fun drivers
Bid in the amount of $23,550
Bid in the amount of $20,000
Bid in the amount of $9,500
Bid in the amount of $8,000
Bid in the amount of $5,500
Bid in the amount of $5,000
Welcome all to this attractive 1968 280SL European model auction. Pcar will soon correct the 250SL notation in vehicle details. It's in fact the 4,129th 280SL constructed. Its pure Euro spec with no AC, bumper guards, headrests, or side markers means it's the lightest Pagoda one can buy. The engine was renewed 28k KM ago by 113 experts, Burlingame Motors, and the engine bay was nicely restored at the same time. It's a joy to drive - lively and agile - and would make a great addition to any MB enthusiast's garage.
Bid in the amount of $4,068
Bid in the amount of $2,800