The W113-generation Mercedes SL, nicknamed ‘Pagoda’ for its artfully concave roof, has come to be regarded as one of the all-time design classics among the likes of the Jaguar E-Type and BMC’s Mini – timeless and ever-desirable shapes which also happen to house robust running gear and engaging driving dynamics.
There were three model variants offered over the Pagoda’s lifespan: the launch-spec 230 SL sold from 1963-67, the 250 SL from ’66-68, and the 2.8-litre 280 SL from 1967 to the end of the line in ’71.
It’s the latter we have here, a 1968 model, and for some buyers out there this is going to be the most desirable of all… not only is it the sought-after 280, but it’s got the seldom-seen manual transmission and it’s a coupe ‘California’ model – which means it came from the factory with a generous rear bench seat. A right-hand-drive UK car, it has a robust history file showing that over £15,000 has been spent over the last decade to keep it all ticking along as it should. A properly desirable and really rather lovely example.
2020 – invoice for new fuel tank and pipes, service, etc - £2,905
2019 – invoice for fuel pump, service and fluid change - £2,242
2014 – invoice for new clutch slave and master cylinders, etc - £1,444
2014 – invoice for work to fix clock, secure battery, fix water ingress issue, fix gearbox oil leak, fix driver door lock, repaint hard-top, etc - £2,267
2014 – invoice for heater quadrant replacement, work to fix coolant leak, fix engine oil leak, fix engine misfire, fit new radio and electric aerial, etc - £2,554
Rare ‘California Coupe’ model with rear bench seat
The Pagoda’s cabin is an elegant and tastefully designed space, and of course the most notable feature with a ‘California’ coupe is that instead of having a soft-top, that section of the interior is instead used to fit a full-width rear bench seat. All of the correct trim pieces and controls are in place, and everything appears to be working as it should.
The windows raise and lower correctly, and the seats tilt to allow rear access. The seats and doorcards have very good trim which is free from undue wear, rips or tears, and the carpets are complete and clean. A modern classic-style radio has been fitted (including a new loom and electric aerial, at considerable expense), but aside from this it’s all 1960s-spec.
There are no cracks in the dashtop, and the glovebox sports an emblem from the now-defunct dealer Thompson-Doxey of Southport. It’s all dry and solid inside the boot with no evidence of water ingress.AaS3e7E7Z5q3IoUxRKLfdOvp9K0vHJ1kk98imfG9.jpeg2.1 MB
The Exterior
Desirable colour scheme
Hardtop repainted in 2014
All correct trim in place and in good order
The Pagoda looks arguably at its most beautiful when finished in white, and this example certainly proved to be a real head-turner on our test drive through south London.
The hard-top was repainted in 2014; we can see from the history that it previously had a vinyl top, which was removed and the roof repaired before being painted to match the body. All of the correct exterior trim is in place, and the light lenses and window glass are in good order.
The wheels are tidy and proper with their correct centre caps, and wear a matching set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres which is a popular choice for aficionados of this model. The die-pressed number plates are a neat finishing touch to what is a lovely and very pleasing exterior.J6laR5Yo10XlPzopNhRHQmVTMqGzDHXGHvLlVetS.jpeg1.71 MB
The Mechanicals
4-speed manual
New fuel tank, pipes and hoses
New clutch master and slave cylinders
It’s not often that you find a Pagoda with a manual gearbox, and with this 280 it’s really noticeable how much the acceleration is improved by having four-on-the-floor.
This car’s stainless steel exhaust gives a nice throaty note to the venerable straight-six’s tone as well. The SL drives beautifully; the suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong having had discs and pads renewed.
This Mercedes has a had a large amount of money spent on it to ensure that all sorts of details throughout the drivetrain and chassis have been addressed, serviced or renewed, and as such it’s all just as smooth and enjoyable as you’d hope. You can see from the paperwork file that a lot has been done to get the car up to its current standard, and it really does feel like a solid and decent car that’s ready to enjoy.
Why wouldn’t you want a Pagoda? These things are truly beautiful to behold, tactile and playful to drive, tastefully appointed, and reliable enough to be pressed into daily urban duties if you felt so inclined.
But the appeal of this particular Pagoda goes well above and beyond what’s usually found on the market in the UK; a genuine right-hand-drive UK car, this sought-after ‘California’ coupe has extra rear accommodation as well as four-speed manual gearbox, plus tastefully integrated modern audio and a sizable file of paperwork to back up its history. And it’s as wonderful to drive as it is to look at.
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