1970
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “California Coupe”
Offered here is
a rare 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “California Coupe,” finished in
Labrador Blue over grey/black and restored to concours standards. Ordered new
by world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Aldo Castañeda, this matching-numbers
example combines rarity, provenance, and exceptional restoration quality—making
it one of the most desirable Pagodas on the market today.
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The odometer shows 86,726
miles, with only ~8,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt.
A Rare and
Desirable Pagoda Configuration
This beautifully
restored 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL represents one of the rarest variants of the
W113 series: the so-called “California Coupe.” Unlike standard SLs, the
California Coupe was delivered from the factory without a folding soft top or
well, instead fitted with a rear bench seat and supplied exclusively with a
removable hardtop. Produced in only a small fraction of total 280 SL output, estimates
suggest less than 8% of these hardtop-only configurations are now among the
most sought-after by collectors worldwide.
Production
Numbers
• 280 SL total production (1967–1971): ~23,885 units
• 1970 model year: ~7,935 units
• California Coupe total: ~1,100–1,300 estimated
• 1970 California Coupe: ~250–400 estimated
• Labrador Blue with grey interior: extremely uncommon combination
Distinguished Provenance
Adding to its
rarity, this example was originally delivered new to Dr. Aldo Castañeda, the
pioneering pediatric cardiac surgeon credited with advancing modern congenital
heart surgery. Dr. Castañeda’s groundbreaking career at Boston Children’s
Hospital and later in Guatemala made him one of the most respected figures in
the medical world.
Included with the sale is the original Mercedes-Benz Owner’s Temporary Registration Card, dated March 20, 1971, listing Dr. Castañeda as first owner and showing the matching chassis and engine numbers. This documentation establishes provenance of international significance, setting this California Coupe apart from its peers.
1970
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “California Coupe”
VIN: 113.044-12-017275
Chassis: W113 (280 SL)
Variant: California Coupe (hardtop only, rear bench seat, no soft top)
Engine: 2.8L inline-six (M130) – Matching Numbers
Transmission: 4-speed automatic (option code 426 – power steering + automatic)
Paint: Labrador Blue
Interior: Grey MB-Tex with black dash & carpets
Options from Data
Plate:
426 – Power steering
& automatic transmission
491 – U.S. version
(sealed beams, emissions, side markers)
503 – Outside rearview
mirror, left (driver’s side)
515 – Becker Europa
radio (replaced with modern stereo)
Wheels/Tires: 14" steel wheels with body-color hubcaps, 185 HR 14 tires
(original spec)
Weight Ratings: GVWR 3900 lbs; GAWR front 1920 lbs; GAWR rear 1980 lbs
Highlights
It presents as
if it just rolled out of the factory yet benefits from modern attention to
reliability and preservation. Rarely does a California Coupe, in this
specification, with this level of restoration, come to market. If you’ve been
waiting for the right Pagoda, this is the one don’t miss the opportunity!
Please feel free to call or text Sant on 818-599-9349
No timewasters, tire-kickers
Serious enquiries only.