Description
The last 300 SL and 190 SL rolled off the production line in Stuttgart in 1963. In the same year, a successor to the icons was unveiled in Geneva in the form of the W113 series: the Pagoda. The new sports model, which owed its nickname to the concave hardtop, was designed as a convertible/ coupé. With the removable steel roof and the fully retractable fabric roof, the car combines two superstructures. Behind the sleek design is none other than Friedrich Geiger. He designed the streamlined 500K and the winged 300SL. Rudolf Uhlenhaut was also behind the development of the Pagoda. The technology and forward-looking design inspired enthusiasm worldwide, so that motorsport legends such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss and stars such as John Lennon, Sophia Loren and Priscilla Presley were among the Pagoda drivers. With the 280 engine introduced in 1967, an improved engine block and an oil cooler finally eliminated the well-known thermal problems of the previous engines. Incidentally, the 2. 8 litre with its 170 hp was also the fastest version. This 280 SL equipped with the 4-speed manual gearbox comes from the first Swiss delivery and has been in the same family ownership for the last 40 years. The car is therefore in a very authentic original condition and has never been restored. The condition of the mechanics is very good and the six-cylinder engine runs perfectly. The dark blue interior has a beautiful patina and the soft top was replaced in 2021 and is as good as new. At the same time, all water hoses, the water pump, thermostat and exhaust system were replaced. There are various signs of use and age on the bodywork, which is why the car did not receive a veteran's registration at the MFK in August 2024. The engine and gearbox numbers match the chassis number, so they have not been replaced since delivery in 1968. Not a concours car, but a contemporary witness and driving machine in impeccable mechanical condition. Fresh from service and MFK.
