This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is said to have been purchased new by a US diplomat and later remained under the care of its second owner for 30 years before it was sold in 2024. It is powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was repainted in Light Ivory in 2025. Additional work since then has included installing a Retrosound stereo and replacing the alternator, drive belts, headlight assemblies, oil pan, and exhaust system. Additional equipment includes a black soft top, a removable hardtop, 14″ steel wheels with painted covers, and air conditioning. Acquired by the selling dealer in 2026, this W113 SL is now offered in Austin, Texas, with the owner’s manual, service records, and a clean Colorado title.

The W113 SL was designed by Friedrich Geiger, Béla Barényi, and Paul Bracq and was introduced to the public at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. This example is finished in Light Ivory and was repainted in 2025, at which time the rocker panels were replaced and patch panels were added to the quarter panels and tail panel. Replacement seals and various trim pieces were also installed and the headlight and taillight assemblies and windshield moldings were replaced. An invoice in the gallery indicates prior body repairs of the hood, fenders, frame, and bumpers in 1987.

The 14″ steel wheels feature covers with painted centers and were mounted with 185R14 Michelin MXV whitewall tires in 2026. Additional work this year involved flushing the disc brakes and changing the power steering fluid.

The cabin houses bucket seats upholstered in black MB-Tex vinyl that extends to the door panels. Interior appointments include a Retrosound radio with Bluetooth, an analog clock, a floor-mounted gear shifter, and an aftermarket air conditioning system.

The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 140-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline as well as gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer shows 97k miles.

The 2.8-liter M130 inline-six was factory equipped with Bosch fuel injection and was rated at 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque when new. The oil pan, drive belts, fan clutch, and alternator were replaced in 2025. The seller tells us that an oil change was performed and the coolant flushed in 2026.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. A replacement exhaust system was installed in 2025 and the transmission was serviced in 2026.