Hemmings Classic Car – October 2019

Pagoda nickname, for the high-sided roof had a sunken central
section that added strength and made it visually slimmer.
The mechanical package was similarly sedan-derived, but
this was no detriment to the sports car. By the time the 280 SL
supplanted the 250, its SOHC inline-six displaced 2,778-cc
(169.5-cu.in.) through an 86.5 x 78.8-mm (3.4 x 3.1-inch) bore
and stroke. With a 9.5:1 compression ratio, the Bosch mechani-

cal fuel injection-equipped engine made 180 hp at 5,700 rpm

and 193 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. A four-speed manual

transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic or five-

speed manual available at extra cost. Behind 14 x 6-inch steel

wheels mounting 185 HR 14 radials and new full wheel covers

were four-wheel disc brakes. These were insulated from the

body through an unequal-length double wishbone suspension

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