The Paul Bracq-designed Mercedes-Benz 113 series succeeded both the 190SL and the 300SL, and made its public debut at the 1963 Geneva Auto Show. The first model, the 230SL, was a comfortable, well-equipped and compact two-seat sports touring machine that provided better performance than the 190SL. Instantly recognizable by virtue of their unique and strong detachable hardtop design, the cars were colloquially known as “pagodas”. The well-balanced chassis was designed by Rudi Uhlenhaut and based on a solid unit-body platform. Initially, magazine road testers bemoaned the relatively soft spring rates and 150 horsepower rating of the 230SL, but became believers when Uhlenhaut himself drove a 230SL to lap times that were only 0.2 seconds slower than those of a Ferrari 250GT! Furthermore, a 230SL won the prestigious Spa-Sofia-Liège rally in 1963. A very successful design, the 113 series remained in production for nine years with nearly 49,000 examples built, and it continues to be a favorite among today’s collectors. In true Mercedes-Benz fashion, the 113 series cockpit is comfortable, well-appointed and weather proof, and the car’s construction and attention to detail is consistent with renowned Mercedes-Benz standards. It harnesses a 180 bhp, 2,778 cc single overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, Bosch fuel injection, automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs and anti-roll bar, rear suspension by single low-pivot swing axles with trailing arms and coil springs, four-wheel vacuum-assisted hydraulic disc brakes.

The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Roadster featured here is finished in stunning Light Ivory with an impeccably kept original Black MB-Tex interior and matching convertible top. It has been driven just 17,300 miles from new and it shows! This US version is fitted with all available options, including both hard top and soft top, factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, Becker AM/FM radio, as well as its original books and tools. This is an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire what we believe to be one of the very best 280SL’ Roadster on the market today. We are proud to offer this 1971 Mercedes 280SL Roadster to the most sophisticated collector, investor or enthusiast who appreciate low miles and superior condition. Classic cars have proven to be among the most resilient and rewarding investments in recent years with the Historic Automobile Group Index (HAGI) jumping 39% in 2013 and posting gains of 395-percent over the last 10-years. Ready to make an investment you can actually enjoy? Please contact one of our expert sales consultants for more information. They will be happy to give you a complete walk-around, supply you with a more detailed description, and answer any questions you may have. Bid with confidence;– this just might be one of the best finds on the market!