The second generation of Mercedes-Benz’s “Sports Leicht” or SL series was introduced in 1964 and was an instant success, thanks in no small part to its drop-dead gorgeous looks. Known as the ‘Pagoda’ thanks to its distinctive inwardly tapered roof, the SL has gone on to become hugely collectable with the best examples easily commanding six figures.
This one is all-the-more desirable thanks to being a genuine European model – many of the Pagodas on the market as US imports, which are less attractive thanks to their thicker bumpers and twin headlamps. But not this one. This one is the real deal – a Pagoda that looks exactly as Mercedes intended, and in one of the best colours. Fresh from a comprehensive restoration in the vendor’s own bodyshop, it’s a remarkable example with lots of lovely original features.
The History and Paperwork
Owned by vendor for almost 10 years
Fully restored in 2020
Some old invoices and MOTs
UK V5C
Invoices for all parts acquired during restoration (not photographed)
For sale only to fund new business venture
Originally sold in France, imported in 2012
The Interior
Blue leather upholstery
Delicate wood trim
Becker Mexico radio
Original tool kit
Left-hand drive
Inside, this car is in superb fettle. The seats are trimmed in excellent blue-coloured leather and look fabulous, set-off beautifully by a delicate black-rimmed steering wheel and wooden fascia inlays.
The painted metal is in good order, while all of the dials work as they should. The carpets are good, and the car retains its original fabric roof stowed beneath the rear deck, which is in equally fine order. It’s set off by a wonderful original-spec Becker Mexico stereo, which the owner tracked down as a finishing touch and cost him over £1,000 alone.
Finished in the imaginatively titled Light Blue Metallic, the Pagoda was restored in 2020 at the vendor’s own bodyshop and has been done to an extremely high standard, with the underneath as much a consideration as on top – the photos should show this.
It’s an absolute stunner, with no evident corrosion at all both on the body and the chassis. The only thing the new owner may want to source are new front bumper bars, as there is some light corrosion and a couple of creases – the vendor hasn’t been able to source new ones yet and they’re perfectly presentable as is, but they’re the one thing that probably prevent the car from being concours.
Both the fabric roof and metal hardtop are in great condition. There’s a small mark on the nearside quarter panel that was caused by a falling box in the owner’s garage – it’s barely noticeable in the photos but the vendor asserts that this will be completely rectified and put back to ‘as good as new’ before the auction completes.
The Mechanics
2.8-litre straight six
Four-speed manual
Engine rebuild
Recent full service
Well-maintained by garage-owning vendor
New suspension and brakes
Refurbished steering box
Make no mistake – this car was restored comprehensively and not just cosmetically. That means it has had everything it has needed including a top end engine rebuild. It has also had the entire front and rear suspension, rear axle, differential and brakes replaced and the steering box refurbished.
The vendor describes it as excellent throughout and reports that it drives exactly as it should do.
This is a fabulous example of a restored Pagoda, comprehensively and professionally finished off and in gorgeous condition throughout. It’s a great example in wonderful show-worthy condition and represents a terrific investment opportunity for its next owner.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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 is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own 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 deposit. 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 on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda
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