1969 MERCEDES-BENZ 280 SL W113 “PAGODA”
An example of the most evolved version of the legendary W113 series, featuring particularly interesting specifications, an elegant colour combination and a comfort-oriented equipment level.
IDENTIFICATION DATA
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 280 SL
Series: W113
Year: 1969
Chassis number: W113.044-12-009209
Engine number: 130-983-12-005833
Engine type: M130.983
Displacement: 2,778 cc
Odometer: 3,042
Exterior colour: Ivory
Interior: Tobacco-coloured leather
Soft top: Brown Sonnenland
Transmission: Automatic
Steering: Power steering
Windscreen: Tinted blue
Wheels/tyres: Whitewall tyres
Mirrors: Twin exterior rear-view mirrors
Radio: Period Blaupunkt
Registration: Regularly registered in Italy
Inspection: Valid until January 2028
ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC MERCEDES-BENZ CARS EVER BUILT
The Mercedes-Benz W113 represents one of the most important chapters in the history of Stuttgart’s sports and grand touring cars. Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the W113 simultaneously replaced two prestigious models, the 190 SL and the 300 SL, combining sporting character, elegance, safety and comfort in an entirely new formula.
Its most distinctive feature is the removable hardtop with its characteristic concave roofline, a technical and stylistic element that gave rise to the legendary nickname “Pagoda”. The car was also developed with particular attention to safety, adopting Mercedes-Benz’s philosophy of a rigid passenger cell combined with body sections designed to progressively absorb impact energy.
The W113 family comprised the 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL, with a total production of 48,912 cars between 1963 and 1971. The 280 SL was the final and most evolved interpretation of the series, with 23,885 examples produced before production ended in March 1971.
THE 280 SL: THE FINAL EVOLUTION OF THE PAGODA
The 280 SL represented the ultimate development of the W113 family. Compared with the preceding 250 SL, Mercedes-Benz introduced the more powerful 2.8-litre M130 engine, featuring revised camshaft timing and producing 170 hp, 20 hp more than the 250 SL, together with increased torque. Mercedes-Benz Classic specifically highlights the increase in power and torque achieved by the 280 SL over its predecessor.
The M130.983 inline-six engine has a displacement of 2,778 cc and mechanical fuel injection. It develops approximately 170 hp at 5,750 rpm and 240 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Top speed is approximately 200 km/h, while 0-100 km/h acceleration takes around 9 seconds, impressive figures for a grand tourer of the late 1960s.
The 280 SL retained the technical philosophy that had made the W113 famous: a longitudinally mounted front engine, rear-wheel drive, a chassis engineered to balance road holding and comfort, disc brakes and a sophisticated grand-touring layout.
A 1969 EXAMPLE
The year 1969 places this car in the heart of the 280 SL production period. According to available production figures, 8,047 280 SLs were built in 1969 alone, out of a total production of 23,885 cars.
Although the 280 SL is not the numerically rarest W113 — that distinction belongs to the 250 SL, with only 5,196 examples produced — it is the final, most powerful and most developed version of the Pagoda and is particularly appreciated today for its combination of classic design, performance, mechanical reliability and greater everyday usability.
ORIGIN AND SPECIFICATIONS
The car was imported from Germany with a kilometre-based instrument, but is presumed to have originated in the USA, based on the specifications found on the vehicle.
This statement is deliberately retained as a presumption rather than a documented certainty, which is important when presenting a historic collector car accurately.
The car has been partially restored and presents in excellent condition in terms of mechanics, bodywork and upholstery, with a particularly attractive colour combination: ivory exterior, original tobacco-coloured leather interior and brown Sonnenland soft top in a matching shade.
The combination of ivory bodywork and tobacco leather gives the car a particularly elegant character, typical of the finest Mercedes-Benz automobiles of its period, while retaining the unmistakable personality of the Pagoda.
EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES
The car is equipped with a particularly attractive specification:
Automatic transmission, favouring comfort and ease of use, especially in modern traffic;
Power steering, making manoeuvring and urban driving easier;
Blue-tinted windscreen, an element of comfort and period specification;
Original tobacco-coloured leather interior;
Whitewall tyres, reinforcing the period character;
Twin exterior rear-view mirrors, an interesting detail in relation to the specifications found on the vehicle;
Period Blaupunkt radio, completing the equipment in a coherent period-correct manner.
The combination of automatic transmission, power steering, tinted windscreen and twin exterior mirrors makes this Pagoda particularly comfortable and usable, without compromising the charm and character of a genuine historic automobile.
DOCUMENTATION AND REGISTRATION STATUS
The vehicle is regularly registered in Italy and is stated to have its roadworthiness inspection valid until January 2028.
The information supplied therefore confirms the Italian registration status and the stated validity of the inspection. The material provided does not specify any ASI, FIVA, Mercedes-Benz Classic or other historical/authenticity certification; any such certificates can be highlighted separately if they are included in the vehicle’s documentation.
FINAL ASSESSMENT
This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113 represents a particularly interesting proposition for the Mercedes-Benz enthusiast and for collectors seeking a 280-series Pagoda, namely the final and most evolved generation of the W113.
The chassis W113.044-12-009209, engine 130-983-12-005833, sophisticated ivory/tobacco/brown colour combination, original leather interior, Sonnenland soft top, automatic transmission, power steering, blue-tinted windscreen, twin exterior mirrors, whitewall tyres and period Blaupunkt radio create an exceptionally appealing overall specification.
A historic automobile combining the iconic status of the Pagoda, the technical development of the 280 SL and a particularly usable specification for modern enjoyment.
