1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda

The Type W113 went into production in 1963 with the 230SL as the successor to the 190SL. At the time it was a massive upgrade, combining stunning looks with reliability and performance, the stalwarts of German production quality. It is rumoured that some Formula 1 drivers of the time thought of it as one of the best handling cars and the Pagoda had its register of celebrity owners including King Hussein, John Lennon, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren & motor racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

This one-owner from 1972 280SL Pagoda in righthand drive and all-round original order is no show queen, but is a solid, reliable and stylish two-seat roadster, the design of which has stood the test of time seamlessly. Believed delivered new to South Africa, it has been owned by our vendor since 1972 at his home in North London and enjoyed by him and his wife only until now.

Many pounds on the correct and regular maintenance have been spent on the car, itself a recipient of a replacement engine in 1974 - a common practice in that period when values where not strong and manufacture of complete engines was a preferable option to trouble-shooting and repair. Still today the engine starts on the first turn of the key, idles smoothly, engages power progressively and would polish up well were someone so inclined. We are told by the owner of a slight coolant leak which needs investigating but could likely be sorted with something as simple as a jubilee clip.

Invoices from 1975 for sundry maintenance suggest mileage then showing 29,000 miles. Later invoices, such as one in 1979 from Brian. L. Shinton in Epping show more than £1,500 spent to cut-out, fit, and weld two inner wings, closing panels and headlamp bowls. The car was painted in this period also in original Silver colour.

The paintwork on both the car and matching hardtop is in reasonably good order, devoid of any major blemishes but no longer gleams to a deep shine. There is a handsome Blue coach line which suits the car. The carpets are again in good order, as are the Black MB Tex seats. The soft top is the original one accompanying the car and hasn't been up for many years. As such, it will likely need refurbishment or replacement.

As a candidate for restoration this car cannot be bettered. It is in running and MOT'd condition, is solid and has had monies spent to eradicate concerns of reliability (as if you'd have any with a Mercedes!). That said, only light enhancement is truly needed if you simply wanted a usable everyday Pagoda and not a concours contender.