1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda W113
Highlights
- Soft-top and Hard-top
- Ex-Californian example
- Original panels with factory notches and spot welds
- Dry stored with no signs of corrosion
- Comprehensive service history from new
The Appeal
How do you approach a car as handsome as the Pagoda? These cars are like a foundation for everything Mercedes-Benz have achieved since - and dependent on who you ask, they might well be a pinnacle. Those deceptively simple lines create a masterful eye for the traditional roadster,
Factor in the beautifully finished cabin and the remarkably laid-back, relaxed drive, and it's little wonder that they've become some of the most prized classics on the market. They stem from a day when the Benz house was undeniably the finest car manufacturer in the world.
This ex-Californian example is in very good order and presented in a very desirable colour scheme. Eminently usable, this car will make a fine canvas to bring up to a top-notch show-winning example or to keep as a classic day-to-day driver.
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1971
- Believed to have 3 previous registered keepers
- Arrived in the UK in May 2021
- Includes some original service and handbooks
- Original VIN tag from the factory present on the windscreen
- Indicates 19,874 miles on a five-figure odometer
The Condition
- Bodywork looks in good overall order
- The vendor highlights that this is highly original with factory panels
- Paintwork is carrying light wear, commensurate with age
- Some patina on the brightwork
- We note a tear in the soft-top
- Yellowing and spotting to the rear plastic window
- Underside of the car is in fine fettle
The deceptively simple lines of the W113 are undeniably pretty - and this example of the car is highly original. Some patina has bedded in over the car's life, though this is hardly intrusive - the main areas of note are on the soft-top, which is due a repair. The car's blue livery suits it down to the ground, and is accented by a colour-matched wheelset.
As if to underline the car's originality, the original VIN tag is still proudly on display.
- Attractive blue leather interior
- Some signs of age-commensurate wear
- Modern music player installed
- Otherwise, highly original throughout
The high-end finishing of the Pagoda is one thing that perhaps isn't spoken about enough. The cabin is built to be a leisurely, laid-back drive that defies the other tourers of its era - it's not flamboyant, it's not excessive - it's plush, modern and comfortable. This example has clearly been well-used, and presents a level of right-fully earned wear.
We note some sun damage and cracking to the dash top, some scuffing to the interior leather and a little wear to the original steering wheel - but overall, it presents handsomely, and wouldn't take a huge amount of work to bring up to snuff.
The Mechanics
- 2.8-Litre M127 6-cylinder powerplant
- Automatic transmission with 3 gears
- Engine bay in good overall order with some patina
- Mechanically sound, runs and drives well
Much like its cabin, the W113's engine is a bit of an unsung hero. The car is still held in high regard for its smooth, relaxed yet very capable performance, keeping up ably with modern traffic with none of the grumble and growl you might note of its 70s peers. We've been informed that this car is in good, drivable order and requires no mechanical work.
Ultimately, this looks to be a very usable example of one of Mercedes-Benz' most legendary cars, and we're confident it'll prove to be a very rewarding classic for the lucky new owner.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class
- Colour Blue
- Odometer 19,874 Miles
- Engine size 2800
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Location NOT STATED
- Country United Kingdom
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