Description
The Mercedes Benz Pagoda. Even before an actual model name is mentioned, almost every classic enthusiast knows which model it is: the stylish SL with upright headlights, the successor to the legendary W198 SL ‘wing door’ and its open variant. Unlike the predecessor, the Pagode is only available as an open roadster and it is clearly visible that the car was designed as a convertible. What a line!
The name Pagoda owes the W113 SL to the concave shape of the hardtop, which is reminiscent of the Chinese Pagoda roofs. You can also see the same shape in the headrests of the German convertible. The SL means a great success for Mercedes-Benz and the model is still very popular. The beautifully contoured body, fantastic six-cylinder in-line engines and a finish that only a few exclusive competitors can match: an eternally loved classic in all aspects.
We are therefore pleased to have been able to add this incredibly original 230 SL to the collection. To get straight to the point: the SL you see here has been fully prepared by specialists for the better ‘turn-key experience’. In short: as soon as you are in possession of this SL, you can enjoy yourself because the engine, chassis, brakes, bottom and all other technology is fully prepared for a new, whether or not intensive, life.
This is a car from 1964, an early example with the upright spare wheel, for insiders. In that year the car was delivered to the first Italian owner, actress Anna Magnani. She drove the car for several years, after which an American soldier had the car shipped to America and the car stayed there for decades. The car has always been exceptionally well preserved, which is why about 95% of the car still has its original paint. This car is a real time travel because you are actually looking at the car as it left the factory in 1964. Rare! The wheel rims were once repainted due to paint damage, but this had nothing to do with rust. There are numerous photos of this. Naturally, the car has an acceptable age, so there are minimal signs of wear here and there, but this should be looked for with a magnifying glass.
What applies to the outside also applies to the inside: the SL is very original and then also very good and beautiful. The black leather upholstery is in neat condition and the dashboard, largely in paint color, is beautifully original. Due to sun and other weather conditions, we often see that such original cars no longer look so fresh, but this car has clearly always been stored indoors. The car may have resided in America for most of its life, because of the first delivery in Italy we are dealing with a beautiful European version, so also with an odometer. The two large round meters with a vertically constructed cluster in between are of a quality that has had to lower the lower jaws not only now but also at the time.
This indicates 98, 117 km and that seems to be the original position in everything. We dare to say that because there is a huge load of documentation with the car.
The engine of this SL, a 2. 3 liter six-cylinder in-line is therefore in absolute top condition. This is underlined by the stack of documentation already cited. A smooth-running, 150 hp engine that provides a very luxurious driving experience. The SL is a joy to drive, with the driveability, reliability and constant sense of being in a great car making the Mercedes-Benz a huge treat. Switching is done via a manual four-speed gearbox. It also functions as it should, of course: perfectly.
The same applies to the bottom of this W113 SL as to the rest of the car: the overall build quality of an SL is exceptionally good and that is now reflected in the condition and finish. The underside is neatly treated with a coating, so that rust and other trouble don’t stand a chance.
In addition to the invoices, the car comes with an original instruction booklet, many photos of past work and a CD-ROM with photos of the treatment of the underside.
