Pre-bids

1968 Mercedes-Benz W113 280SL ‘Pagoda’

Highlights

  • High quality restoration between 2016 and 2019 
  • Remains very fresh thanks to subsequent use
  • Pretty car in burgundy with cream leather cabin 
  • Original factory RHD car with low mileage 
  • Only five registered keepers from new 
  • Desirable 2.8L car with auto box 

The Appeal 

The Pagoda was so good that it set the template for every SL model that followed over six decades. Handsome in an timeless, unfussy way and both effortless and relaxing to drive, today these cars are as much works of art as working cars. 
The one to have, ideally, is this one, the 280SL with the automatic gearbox that leans firmly into the car’s long-legged GT theme. The car was extensively restored across the bodywork, paintwork and mechanicals by the current keeper between 2016 and 2019 to a very high standard as the photos bear out. With little use since it is in quite remarkable condition, particularly the bespoke cream leather interior which appears to have been barely used. 
It is an original UK-market RHD car that has had only five keepers during its 56 years. This is a very fine example of one of Stuttgart’s greatest sports cars. 

The History and Paperwork

  • First registered 12th March 1968 
  • Only five registered keepers 
  • Current keeper since October 2016
  • We are told that this car is an original UK market RHD model 
  • Comprehensively restored between 2016 and 2019 with invoices to support 
  • Engine overhaul between 2016 and 2018 
  • Previously recorded as silver which was changed to white in January 1987
  • Recorded as white in DVLA records which buyer may wish to change on purchase 
  • Historic Vehicle that is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt 

The Condition

  • Extensively professionally restored bodywork refinished in burgundy in 2019 
  • Little use since completion means the car presents today in very good order
  • Few signs of age or use noticeable to paintwork as shown in photos 
  • The vendor describes some paintwork imperfections but no scratches or damage
  • Straight panelwork with no obvious deterioration visible or reported
  • Underside presents well with evidence of undersealing 
  • Supplied with factory hard top in white with well kept paintwork and headlining 
  • Black fabric roof in very good condition and fully operational 
  • Sits on steel wheels with body colour hub cap fillets and whitewall Hankook tyres
  • Exterior chrome work is bright and in very good order 
  • Beautifully retrimmed cream leather interior in superb condition 
  • There is barely any wear to cabin including driver’s seat and footwell 
  • Neatly detailed cabin including colour coded dashboard and seatbelts
  • Beige carpets and mats finished to a high standard as shown 
  • Fitted with a bespoke ‘Marshall’ speaker as shown with Bluetooth capability 
  • Rear transverse ‘jump’ seat fitted
The joy of this car is the attention to detail evident when you look around it. This is most obvious in the interior, which has been carefully retrimmed in beige leather and accented with colour coded features such as the seatbelts and dashtop. It has been executed to a high standard and presents in photos as if barely used since completion. 
The same is true of the smart burgundy paintwork, a colour that shows off the firm lines of the W113 and the extensive chromework around the car. The car was comprehensively restored over four years between 2016 and 2019 and remains in very good order, only some slight paint imperfections indicating age. The car is fitted with a black folding fabric soft top and supplied with a factory hard top in white as shown. 

The Mechanics 

  • 2,778cc straight six 170bhp engine 
  • 4spd automatic gearbox 
  • Extensively mechanically overhauled between 2016 and 2018 
  • Fitted with power assisted steering 
  • No reported running or driving issues
The Pagoda to have is the one with the 2.8L 170bhp engine and 4spd auto box. This combination delivers the effortless, long-legged qualities for which these cars are renowned. 
This one looks well set to provide exactly those things because it has been extensively mechanically overhauled. That work took place over three years and was extensive, delivering a car that is reported to be in very good running order with no immediate issues for the buyer to address. Power steering adds to its appeal. 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions
We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. 

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Auction Details

  • Year1968
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelSL Class
  • ColourDark red
  • Odometer95,322 Miles
  • Engine size2778cc
  • Seller TypeTrade
  • TownEaling
  • CountyLondon
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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