1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL - $90,000
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda
Factory 4-Speed Manual • Classic White over Green MB-Tex • Original Factory Data Cards • Extensive Provenance Archive
WHY WE LOVE IT
Few automobiles have earned the timeless appeal of the Mercedes-Benz W113 "Pagoda." Introduced in 1963 and refined through the 280 SL's debut in 1968, the W113 blended elegant styling, innovative engineering, and grand touring capability into one of Mercedes-Benz's most recognizable postwar designs. Today, the Pagoda continues to rank among the world's most desirable collector Mercedes-Benz models thanks to its understated elegance, exceptional build quality, and enjoyable driving experience.
Offered here is an exceptionally well-documented 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL finished in its factory color combination of Classic White (050) over Green MB-Tex (134). Equipped with the highly desirable factory 4-speed manual transmission, dealer-installed air conditioning, removable Pagoda hardtop, and black folding soft top, this example represents the configuration many enthusiasts seek.
What truly separates this 280 SL from many others is its extraordinary documentation. Accompanying the car is an extensive archive of factory paperwork, original literature, service records, registrations, ownership documentation, and decades of specialist maintenance invoices. Included are both original Mercedes-Benz factory data cards confirming the original chassis, engine, body, paint, interior, and transmission specifications, making this one of the most comprehensively documented driver-quality Pagodas we have encountered.
This is not simply a beautiful collector car—it is a Mercedes-Benz with a story that has been carefully preserved for decades.
SPECIFICATIONS
Year: 1969
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 280 SL (W113)
VIN: 11304410007891
Mileage: 84,316 (Title Exempt)
Engine: 2.8L SOHC Inline Six
Engine Number: 13098310003127
Transmission: Factory 4-Speed Manual
Factory Data Card Transmission Number: 002833
Horsepower: 170
Torque: 180 lb-ft
Estimated Curb Weight: 3,092 lbs
Exterior: Classic White (050)
Interior: Green MB-Tex (Code 134)
Soft Top: Black
Hard Top: Classic White (050)
FACTORY IDENTIFICATION
Factory documentation confirms:
Chassis Number: 11304410007891
Engine Number: 13098310003127
Factory Transmission Number: 002833
Body Number (Aufbau): 90782
Paint Code: 050 Classic White
Interior Code: 134 Green MB-Tex
The original firewall body identification plate corresponds correctly with the factory body number listed on the Mercedes-Benz data card, further supporting the originality of this example.
OWNERSHIP & PROVENANCE
Accompanied by one of the most complete documentation archives we have encountered on a driver-quality W113 Pagoda, this 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL retains an exceptional collection of factory literature, ownership history, registrations, service records, and maintenance documentation accumulated over decades of enthusiast ownership.
Factory documentation includes both original Mercedes-Benz data cards confirming the original chassis, engine, transmission specification, body number, paint, and interior codes. Original owner literature, maintenance booklets, dealer information, key records, and factory documentation remain with the vehicle, providing an exceptional level of provenance rarely seen today.
The current owner acquired the vehicle from Texas Classic Cars of Dallas in December 2014 before having it transported by enclosed carrier to Bedford, Indiana. Since arriving in Indiana, the Pagoda has remained climate-controlled when not in use and has accumulated fewer than 4,000 miles.
Driven exclusively during favorable weather, the vehicle has been regularly exercised throughout storage periods to maintain proper operating condition. Rather than pursuing an unnecessary cosmetic restoration, the owner focused on preserving the originality of the vehicle while investing significantly in preventative maintenance and mechanical improvements.
This is the type of long-term enthusiast ownership collectors appreciate—careful stewardship supported by detailed records rather than verbal history alone.
EXTERIOR
Finished in its original shade of Classic White (050), this 280 SL retains the elegant proportions that have made the W113 one of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz designs ever produced.
The removable Pagoda hardtop, upright grille, slim chrome bumpers, delicate brightwork, and restrained styling continue to define one of the most recognizable touring cars of the 1960s.
Documentation reflects continued investment in cosmetic preservation including weatherstrip replacement, glass sealing, trim maintenance, and exterior detailing throughout ownership.
INTERIOR
The cabin remains finished in factory-correct Green MB-Tex (Code 134), providing an attractive contrast against the Classic White exterior.
Interior improvements during current ownership include:
Glove box restoration and adjustment
Clock servicing
Interior trim refinishing
Door panel restoration
Continued cosmetic preservation
The cabin presents as an honest, well-preserved example appropriate for an enthusiast-owned Pagoda rather than an over-restored showpiece.
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
Power comes from Mercedes-Benz's legendary 2.8-liter M130 overhead-cam inline-six equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection producing approximately 170 horsepower.
Backing the engine is the highly desirable factory 4-speed manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience than the optional automatic.
Factory engine number 13098310003127 matches the Mercedes-Benz factory data cards.
The factory data card records transmission number 002833. During our inspection, original transmission casting and assembly markings were documented on the gearbox. These markings appear consistent with original factory components, although Mercedes-Benz Classic verification would be required to correlate the individual casting and assembly numbers to the transmission serial listed on the factory data card.
DOCUMENTED SERVICE HISTORY
Accompanying invoices document decades of specialist servicing and preventative maintenance.
December 2012
Kehl Motor Service – San Antonio, Texas
79,141 Miles
$482.74
Oil service
Filter replacement
Additional inspection
June 2013
Clement's Custom Car Care – Hot Springs, Arkansas
79,904 Miles
$149.06
Replace fuel hoses
New clamps
November 2014
Nine-Eleven Automotive – Dallas, Texas
80,567 Miles
$6,175.57
Oil service
Cooling system overhaul
Replace all coolant hoses
Cylinder head removed and machined
New head gasket
New head bolts
Replace engine mounts
New cooling fan
Complete tune-up
September 2015
Vinegar Hill Auto – Bedford, Indiana
$339.92
Oil service
Coolant flush
Heater valve
Clock removal
Tail lamp repair
December 2015
Vinegar Hill Auto
$421.68
Transmission fluid service
Cooling system flush
March 2016
Air conditioning recharge
Clock restoration
August 2016
Battery cable repair
March 2017
Quality Imports – Bloomington, Indiana
81,273 Miles
$3,016.60
New OE mirror
Windshield mirror bracket
Front and rear shock absorbers
Engine mounts
Left inner tie rod
Oil service
Intake hose
Exhaust repair
Transmission inspection
May 2017
Tachometer drive service
September 2020
Quality Imports
$896.46
Oil service
Brake hose
Brake fluid flush
Ignition switch repair
November 2020
Quality Imports
83,284 Miles
$18,458.38
Major mechanical restoration including:
Remove engine and transmission
Reseal engine oil pan
Front and rear engine seals
New clutch assembly
Throwout bearing
Pilot bearing
Flywheel resurfacing
Transmission disassembly and resealing
Rear differential repairs
New rear axles
Parking brake overhaul
Brake pads
New master cylinder
Hydraulic system flush
Electronic ignition distributor
High performance ignition coil
New battery
General drivetrain servicing
June 2021
Hood stops replaced
March 2024
84,240 Miles
$816.81
Oil service
Fuel treatment
Lubrication service
Glove box adjustment
Collectively, the accompanying invoices document well over $30,000 invested in mechanical preservation and preventative maintenance over the past two decades.
TIRES
Firestone Firehawk GTA
Front
195/70R14
6.5/32"
Rear
195/70R14
6.5/32"
DOT Date Code: 2009
Given their age, replacement is recommended prior to extended touring or sustained highway driving despite remaining tread depth.
DOCUMENTATION INCLUDED
This Mercedes-Benz is accompanied by an exceptional documentation archive including:
Original Mercedes-Benz factory data cards (2)
Original owner's manual
Original service booklet
Original maintenance guide
Original warranty booklet with VIN stampings
Original Mercedes-Benz dealer directory
Original vinyl document wallet
Original 1969 sales brochure
Original 1968 Mercedes-Benz map booklet
Original parts catalog
Workshop manual
Mercedes-Benz replacement key documentation
Registration history
Insurance documentation
Indiana title
Extensive specialist service records
Original owner identification plate
Three sets of keys
Two radio antenna keys
Hardtop
Black soft top
MOTORVAULT MARKET PERSPECTIVE
Few collector automobiles have demonstrated the long-term appreciation of the Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda. With production limited to just over 48,000 examples worldwide and manual transmission cars representing a much smaller percentage, desirable, well-documented examples continue to attract strong collector interest.
Collectors increasingly prioritize originality and documentation, and this example excels in both areas. Factory data cards, matching chassis, engine, body, paint, and interior documentation, combined with decades of ownership records and specialist service invoices, provide an exceptional level of provenance seldom found among driver-quality Pagodas.
Rather than an over-restored concours example, this 280 SL represents the type of collector car many enthusiasts actively seek: an honest, well-preserved automobile that has been exercised, maintained, and thoughtfully improved while retaining the documentation necessary to support its history. Whether enjoyed on weekend tours, Mercedes-Benz Club events, or preserved within a distinguished collection, this Pagoda offers an outstanding combination of originality, drivability, and documented provenance.
INCLUDED WITH SALE
Removable Pagoda hardtop
Black folding soft top
Three sets of keys
Two radio antenna keys
Original factory data cards (2)
Original owner's manual
Original maintenance booklet
Original warranty booklet
Original dealer directory
Original document wallet
Original sales brochure
Original map booklet
Original parts catalog
Workshop manual
Registration records
Service records
Original owner identification plate
Extensive documentation archive
CONTACT MOTORVAULT
For additional information, photographs, videos, financing assistance, trade evaluations, or to schedule a private viewing, please contact:
Brian Henry
Managing Partner | Sales & Client Relations
(317) 522-8260
sales@motorvault.com
Ralph Haga
Sales & Client Relations
(309) 721-9725
sales@motorvault.com
MOTORVAULT
520 W. McCarty Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46225
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TERMS, DISCLOSURE & BUYER INFORMATION
At MOTORVAULT, transparency and accurate representation are our priorities. Vehicle descriptions are prepared using owner-supplied information, service records, vehicle history reports, manufacturer documentation, and our own inspection. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, buyers are encouraged to independently verify any information they consider important.
As one of only two Bring a Trailer Local Area Partners (LAPs) in Indiana, MOTORVAULT applies the same attention to detail and documentation to every vehicle we represent, whether sold through Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, or directly through MOTORVAULT.
Unless otherwise stated, all vehicles are sold as-is, where-is, with no expressed or implied warranties. Mileage may vary slightly due to transport, detailing, photography, inspections, or test drives.
Independent pre-purchase inspections are welcomed, and we are happy to coordinate inspections with the buyer's preferred dealership or specialist. We also assist with financing, trade-ins, nationwide enclosed transportation, and international shipping.
Conveniently located just 20 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), MOTORVAULT welcomes buyers from across the country and can assist with airport transportation and enclosed vehicle delivery.
We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and welcome any questions regarding this vehicle before purchase.
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