1971 - Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda French registration Chassis... Lot 21

1971 - Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda French registration Chassis number 113.044-10-023532 - Rare California 4-seater version - Good condition - Attractive estimate After the international success of its 300 SL and 190 SL versions, Mercedes-Benz created a sensation by unveiling its new roadster at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show: the 230 SL. Its elegant line tinged with sportiness seduces and highlights the talent of the young French designer Paul Bracq. Because of its hard top with a concave roof reminiscent of Buddhist monuments, the nickname "Pagoda" was added to the SL name. Originally, it was equipped with a 2.3-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine with Bosch direct injection, for a power of 150 hp and 22 mkg of torque. As for the transmission, it was equipped as standard with a 4-speed manual gearbox (5-speed optional) or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. It was later upgraded with two new engines, 2.5 l and 2.8 l. It was the incarnation of a high-performance GT without claiming the status of a true sports car. Moreover, its first-rate habitability and the quality of its finish are surprising for the time. This Pagoda is equipped with the most sought-after features of the model: the 2.8L engine coupled with the four-speed manual gearbox and the 2-seat rear bench. This finish was reserved for the American "California" models and included a hard top but no soft top. We find its trace in 1974 in the state of Georgia thanks to the copies of the old American Title. After a few years at Mister G.'s, we found our car on French soil in 2005. The former owner of this car decided to fit a removable top on this car, much more practical in case of sudden rain! Today, its general condition is very good and shows a meticulous maintenance. The paint, redone in 2013, is still beautiful despite a slight orange peel effect and the interior presents well with a small patina of use without notable defects. The former owner being a great lover of long trips in oldtimer, he decided to equip his convertible with a modern radio with a vintage look. The general condition of the mechanics of our Pagoda is very good: the road test allowed us to enjoy the driving comfort of the 2.8L 6-cylinder engine which offers very efficient revs! Some work was done on the floors of our example in 2013 at the time of painting: the whole is quite healthy with the only downside being traces of corrosion on the front passenger side rocker panel. The folding rear seat adds to the practicality of this 1960s Mercedes convertible. Still equipped with its magnificent Hard-Top, this 280 SL will delight the fans of the brand with the Star.