The Ayrburn Classic Live Auction
Welcome to the Ayrburn Classic Live Auction 2026.
This vehicle will be auctioned live at the iconic Ayrburn Estate, Arrowtown, on Saturday 21 February 2026 at 5:00pm.
For questions, bidding registration (in person, online, or phone), pre-purchase inspections or additional history, please contact us here or visit the Sunday Drive website auction pages
The reserve price is significantly lower that the listed price.
Price guide $280,000 - $350,000
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda A Rare, Right-Hand-Drive Masterpiece, Meticulously Restored
Step into automotive history with this extraordinary 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda, finished in an elegant cream exterior paired with a serene bamboo interior. Conceived by legendary designers Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi and developed under the guidance of Mercedes-Benz icons Fritz Nallinger, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and Friedrich Geiger, the W113 280 SL is celebrated as a technological milestone in the brands lineage. Its timeless silhouette and iconic concave hardtop make it one of the most recognizable and coveted classics in the world.
Beneath its refined exterior lies the heart of true Mercedes engineering excellence. Powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six with multi-port fuel injectionproducing a lively 170 hpthe 280 SL delivers a driving experience far ahead of its time. With aluminum components including the bonnet, trunk lid, door skins, and hardtop, the Pagoda was crafted with performance and balance in mind. Disc brakes at all four corners, independent suspension, and radial tyres provided handling that set new standards in the late 1960s.
This example stands apart not only for its beauty but for its pedigree. Expertly restored by the world-renowned Lloyd Marx, it has been cherished and mechanically maintained for over two decades by Autohaus, ensuring its condition remains nothing short of exceptional. Every detail reflects careful stewardship, blending authenticity with reliability for the discerning collector.
Adding to its desirability, this is a rare right-hand-drive variationhighly sought after and seldom offered in such remarkable condition. Divine in presence and unmatched in craftsmanship, this 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is an opportunity to own an automotive icon restored to its fullest expression. A true classic for the connoisseur.
