Highlights

Only 47,022km on the clock
Family-owned since 1969
Rarely seen colour scheme
Interior completely retrimmed with buffalo leather

The Appeal

The legendary 'Pagoda' is one of the most beloved classic cars ever to leave Germany. How couldn't it be? This was the golden age of Mercedes-Benz, when they comfortably sat as one of the best car manufacturers in the world.

Solid build quality, an attractive low profile and that signature Pagoda soft top all come together to make this one of the purest, most carefree yet most disciplined iterations of the company's much-prized Sport-Leicht formula. To this day, they've become a truly treasured classic car - perhaps one of the most clamoured for on the market.

This fine example captures the car at its best - in a rarely seen colour scheme. From the fishbowl headlights to the subtle rear fins, it's beautifully presented with lovely clean paint, a nicely kept roof and a very handsome cabin. It's been in the same family since 1969, and you can certainly tell it's been cherished.

To sweeten the deal, the cabin was completely retrimmed and refurbished in 2010, less than 10,000km ago, and it's been treated to a swathe of new parts, including an upgraded differential. Put simply, this beautifully kept Sport-Leicht has everything going for it - and may well be one of the most desirable examples we've come across.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1968
In the same family from 1969
Previously based in Germany, and still in European market spec
Imported to the UK circa 2008, remaining with its owning family
MOT exempt and last tested in 2009
Indicates 47,022km on a five-figure odometer
The vendor believes this is genuine, and it can be verified as far back as 2006
No German paperwork, but all invoices are available post-2008

The Condition

Rare deep blue colour scheme, which suits the car down to the ground
Matching Navy blue soft top
Impressively presented chromework with only gentle signs of use
Beautifully presented colour-matched wheels
Solid chassis with very little sign of corrosion
Resprayed in 2013

The handsome lines of the W113 are impossible to ignore - and well worth your admiration.

This superb example comes to us in a rare colour, with bright contrasting chrome and solid metalwork. We can't spot any signs of significant corrosion, there are only gentle signs of wear to the sills and arches, and the underside is in fine fettle.

It's a very congruent machine, too - sitting handsomely on colour-matched wheels, with a colour-matched soft top.

Retrimmed in 2010 with Buffalo leather
No rips, tears or significant signs of wear
Highly original cabin with all instruments in good order
Carpets in very good condition
Boot is clean and solid

The colour combination here really is excellent. That cream upholstery contrasts beautifully with the dark livery surrounding it, and perfectly suits the subtle, curvy lines of the W113's interior. Sumptuous yet subtle, this is a superb place for a driver to be, and has clearly been very well cared for.

You wouldn't step into this believing that the cabin is a nearly 15-year-old trim. It's in excellent order, clean, and comfortable, perfectly watched with the rest of the car.

The Mechanics

2,800cc M130 6-cylinder engine
5-speed manual transmission
Engine bay in very good order
Differential upgraded for better performance
All brake parts, pipes, hoses, and brake cylinder replaced with parts from Germany's SLS shop

The performance of the 'Pagoda' still makes for a very potent driver. These cars boasted a top speed of 124mph and with tight handling and a direct relationship between driver and road, both being heavily complimented by the press of their day.

This example has been gently upgraded and sympathetically maintained, leading to an improved drive that's lost none of the 280SL's innate character. The vendor reports that all parts have come from the very well-regarded SLS Shop, and that they're holding up superbly.

The car is reportedly driving, shifting, braking and starting exactly as it should, and we've no doubt it'll be a very impressive addition to your garage.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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