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Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 1970 review

Convertible Petrol
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 1970 — front three-quarter view

Photo: Andrew Bone (CC BY 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

The Pagoda 280 SL is the most elegant Mercedes roadster ever made - Paul Bracq's masterpiece with its distinctive concave hardtop. Built from 1968 to 1971, the 280 is the ultimate W113: the biggest engine, the best brakes and the most refined manners.

Effortlessly cool, beautifully engineered and famously durable, the Pagoda has long been a blue-chip classic. The 280 SL pairs investment-grade desirability with the ability to be used and enjoyed.

UK price from: £105,000

Specifications

Engine2.8-litre inline-6 (2,778 cc)
Power170 bhp @ 5,750 rpm
Torque180 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm
0-60 mph10.5 seconds
Top speed124 mph
Fuel economy~19 mpg
Transmission4-speed automatic
DriveRear-wheel drive
Production years1968-1971
Kerb weight1,360 kg

Features

  • 2.8-litre M130 straight-six with 170 bhp
  • Iconic Pagoda concave hardtop design
  • Paul Bracq styling - a genuine design icon
  • Four-speed automatic or manual gearbox
  • Servo-assisted disc brakes all round
  • Famed Mercedes build quality and longevity

Common parts & prices

PartPrice (GBP)Notes
Front brake pad set£55Standard road pads
Exhaust system£600Full system, mild steel
Water pump£120M130 cooling service item
Fuel injection pump rebuild£800Specialist Bosch pump overhaul
Canvas soft top£900German canvas, fitted
Subframe mount set£90Front and rear mounts

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

  • Stunning design that transcends fashion
  • Beautifully engineered - built to last
  • Strong, stable values at the top of the market
  • Supremely comfortable long-distance tourer

Cons

  • Entry price is firmly six-figure for good cars
  • Restoration costs are eye-watering
  • Rust in floors, sills and wheel arches
  • Fuel-injection pump rebuilds are expensive

Frequently asked questions

How much is a 280 SL Pagoda worth?
Good 280 SLs sell for £90,000-£130,000, with exceptional low-mileage cars reaching £150,000-plus.
230 SL, 250 SL or 280 SL?
The 280 SL is the ultimate Pagoda - biggest engine, best brakes and most refined. It commands the strongest values.
Why is it called the Pagoda?
The optional hardtop's concave roofline resembles a pagoda temple. The nickname stuck and defines the W113 generation.
Where does the Pagoda rust?
Floors, sills, wheel arches, headlamp bowls and the boot. Bodywork repairs need a marque specialist.
Automatic or manual?
Most 280 SLs are four-speed automatics, which suit the car's relaxed character. Manuals are rare and appeal to keen drivers.

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