This is a beautiful 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL presented in Horizon Blue exterior with dark blue interior that is in excellent overall condition! The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL represents the final evolution of the W113 chassis and remains one of the most usable, elegant and coveted sporting convertibles of its era. This Mercedes has the strong 2.8L inline-six with four speed automatic transmission showing 8,915 miles believed to be rolled over to be 108,915 miles. This Pagoda features air conditioning, includes both soft and hard top, and has only resided in California. This is an ideal example for frequent drives, presenting at local shows and being a part of a curated collection.

The Mercedes was purchased in May 1971 from Van Housen Motors in Sacramento making this a California “Blue-Plate” car. The Mercedes was originally purchased and continued to be owned by one family! The current owner’s former father-in-law purchased the Mercedes to be his daily driver and passion while he built the most premier men’s clothing store in Sacramento. Towards the end of his lifetime, the Mercedes was gifted to his son. The son and his wife cherished the Mercedes and completed the restoration together from 2011 to 2013. The Mercedes was serviced and restored by Stephens Service Center in Sacramento since 1993. Their design for the restoration was to be just below concours level but a high-quality beautiful restoration yet drivable for them to enjoy together while they resided in Napa Valley, California. His wife is the sole owner since he passed and is ready to see someone else enjoy the beloved family Mercedes to make their own beautiful memories.

The two-tone exterior of the 280SL 022804 is finished in Horizon Blue (304 G) paired with a Midnight Blue removable Pagoda hard top (904 G) and a replaced stowable soft top of the same shade. The Mercedes was repainted (bare metal respray) with Horizon Blue paint when restored. The paint displays depth and consistency throughout remaining in excellent condition and the chrome trim is in excellent condition too. The windshield was replaced when restored with genuine Mercedes-Benz glass and remains in excellent condition. The hard top in Midnight Blue and dark blue softop are in excellent condition. Additional features include dual rearview mirrors, brand new thin-band whitewall tires, color-matched Mercedes hubcaps, and 14-inch steel wheels.

Inside, the Mercedes features dark blue MB-Tex vinyl bucket seats in excellent condition paired with matching rolled-pile carpeting that remains in excellent overall condition. The interior features beautiful wood trim, a period correct Becker Europa II AM/FM stereo upgraded with an iPod connection, white steering wheel that matches an original option, and functional gauges. Desirable upgraded amenities include air conditioning and rear-window defrost for the hard top. The seating position, switchgear, and ergonomics reflect the thoughtful construction that made the 280SL one of the most respected grand touring roadsters of its time.

Power is provided by the 2.8L inline-six producing approximately 180 horsepower, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The Mercedes has power steering, disc brakes all around, and dual exhaust. During its lifetime, this Mercedes has been cared for meticulously, proactively and underwent a no expense spared frame off restoration. Unless unavailable, parts were replaced with original factory parts. The engine was replaced with a factory rebuilt engine special ordered from Germany. Key items that were completed in its history including a rebuilt fuel injection pump, distributor replaced with a modern improved distributor that delivers three times the voltage but looks original, the radiator was rebuilt featuring a high efficiency core, and fully replaced air condition system including compressor, hoses, evaporator and condenser. The right front fender is missing the weld spots on the inner trim though we don’t have historical information on why or when that happened. After being kept in storage and driven infrequently, the Mercedes was fully inspected and serviced to be road ready in November 2025. The items most recently replaced were all four tires (Phoenix 185R14), battery, bushings, valve cover gaskets, fuel line and all fluids.  The Mercedes is fully sorted and is in great mechanical condition!

This 280SL comes complete with original owner’s and service manuals, owner certificate card, new blue Coco floor mats, spare tire with cover in the trunk, partial service records, and four additional hubcaps.

For more information and details, please call or text Kendi Brown at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL “Pagoda” is available for inspection at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.