1970 - Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (W113) French historic registration title French historic registration title Chassis n° 11304412017581 A Pagoda with the perfect colour combination and the best of engines. A Pagoda with the perfect colour combination and the best of engines. - Buoyed by the international success of its 300 SL and 190 SL versions, Mercedes-Benz caused a sensation when it unveiled its new roadster, the 230 SL, at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Its elegant, sporty lines were a real eye-catcher and showcased 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. The car was originally powered by a 2.3-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine with Bosch direct injection, producing 150 bhp and 22 mkg of torque. In terms of transmission, it was fitted 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-litre and 2.8-litre. It was the epitome of a high-performance GT, without claiming the status of a true sports car. What's more, its first-rate interior space and the quality of its finish were surprising for its time. - The car we are interested in is a 280 SL, with an automatic gearbox (recently revised). It also has the advantage of being fitted with its period Becker radio, the famous optional third rear seat and hard-top matching numbers. - In 2017, the car was involved in a car park accident and benefited from over €35,000 worth of work, including a new side member and a marble finish. It is now in very good condition, with its dark metallic grey bodywork and red interior and soft top; a superb colour combination. Please also note that the engine is not matching, but comes from a 280 saloon, and is compliant, and that we found a few traces of surface rust during our examination, notably on the underpinnings. - Basking in the international success of its 300 SL and 190 SL versions, Mercedes-Benz caused a sensation by unveiling its new roadster at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show: the 230 SL. Its elegant line tinged with sportiness seduced and highlighted the talent of young French designer Paul Bracq. - Given its hard top with concave roof reminiscent of Buddhist monuments, the nickname "Pagoda" was added to the SL patronym. Originally, it was equipped as standard with a 2.3-litre inline 6-cylinder engine fed by Bosch direct injection, delivering 150 hp and 22 mkg of torque. On the transmission side, it came standard with a 4-speed manual gearbox (5-speed optional) or a 4-speed automatic transmission. - It later evolved with two new engines, 2.5-litre then 2.8-litre. It was the embodiment of a high-performance GT without claiming the status of a true sports car. Moreover, its first-class habitability and quality of finish were surprising for the era. - The example that interests us is a 280 SL with automatic transmission (recently overhauled). It also has the advantage of being equipped with its period Becker radio, having the famous optional third rear seat, and its matching numbers hard-top. - In 2017, the car was damaged in a car park and benefited from more than €35,000 worth of work, including a sill replacement and body alignment. It is now in very fine presentation condition, with its dark metallic grey bodywork and its interior, like its soft top, in red; a superb colour combination. Please note that the engine is not matching, but comes from a 280 saloon and is correct, and that we noted some surface rust traces during our examination, particularly on the undercarriage. Est. 70 000 - 90 000 €