1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (W113) Listed on Bring a Trailer

A 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL (W113) is offered on Bring a Trailer with documented factory specs, original colors, and 41k miles. Explore details and auction insights.

A 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL has appeared on Bring a Trailer, representing one of the final examples of the W113 series, better known as the Pagoda. Bidding is ongoing, with the current offer standing at $87,500 and several days remaining before the auction closes. Interest is clearly strong, reflected in the number of comments, watchers, and active discussion surrounding the car’s condition and documentation.

The seller has owned the car since 2015. Around 2020, it was repainted in its original Gray Beige (726), reportedly due to fading of the previous finish. A replacement brown soft top (746) was installed under current ownership, and the car is accompanied by a removable body-color hardtop. The listing notes that the factory brightwork remains in place.

The interior is trimmed in Dark Brown MB-Tex (138), as confirmed by the data card included in the sale. Equipment includes air conditioning, a Becker Europa AM/FM radio, and an Olympia cassette stereo. The four-speed automatic transmission and factory air conditioning reflect a configuration typical of US-market cars, which is also indicated in the option codes.

Power comes from the 2.8-liter M130 inline-six with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, the standard engine for the 280SL. When new, this unit was rated at up to 180 horsepower. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. The car is equipped with power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

The five-digit odometer shows 41,000 miles, approximately 500 of which were added by the current owner. Questions regarding mileage documentation and certain interior details were raised in the comments section, with the seller providing additional photographs and explanations. The sale includes the data card, data plate, manufacturer’s literature, and partial service records.

The W113 series was produced from 1963 through 1971, with the 280SL serving as the final and most numerous variant. Approximately 23,885 examples of the 280SL were built out of roughly 48,912 total W113 cars. The distinctive concave hardtop roofline that earned the model its Pagoda nickname remains one of the most recognizable Mercedes-Benz design elements of the 1960s.

On today’s classic car market, the 280SL continues to command steady demand. Values vary widely depending on condition, originality, and documentation. This example stands out for its documented factory specification, popular color combination, and complete roof set — factors that traditionally strengthen interest in W113 listings.

The final result will be determined in the coming days, but the sustained attention surrounding this auction once again highlights the enduring appeal of the late-production Pagoda.