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.
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.
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.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
