1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL ‘Pagoda’
Highlights
- Matching-numbers example
- UK right-hand-drive car
- Recently imported back from Isle of Man
- Impressive history file and UK registered again
- Rare and sought-after Tunis Beige (original colour)
- Original MB-Tex interior
- Automatic transmission with power steering model
The Appeal
This is a very desirable Pagoda indeed. A genuine UK-market right-hand-drive car, this matching-numbers example is presented in a highly sought-after combination of Tunis Beige paint and black MB-Tex interior – the car’s original spec from new.
It was owned from 2003 to 2024 by a very attentive owner who had an impressive amount of work carried out, all done to a high standard, including: a gearbox overhaul, engine big ends, main rings, timing chain, cylinder head overhaul, wheel bearings, engine mounts, suspension bushes, stainless steel exhaust system, uprated brakes, stronger rear springs, fuel pump overhaul, new inner and outer sills on both sides, gearbox mounts, and an aluminium sump guard.
What’s more, the condition of the car throughout needs to be seen to be believed – it really is a lovely example. The panels are all straight and true, the shutlines are impeccable, and it’s a wonderful car to drive. Previously kept on the Isle of Man (as the extensive history file shows), it’s now back in London and ready to enjoy. An eminently usable SL in wonderful condition, with a highly desirable specification.
It was owned from 2003 to 2024 by a very attentive owner who had an impressive amount of work carried out, all done to a high standard, including: a gearbox overhaul, engine big ends, main rings, timing chain, cylinder head overhaul, wheel bearings, engine mounts, suspension bushes, stainless steel exhaust system, uprated brakes, stronger rear springs, fuel pump overhaul, new inner and outer sills on both sides, gearbox mounts, and an aluminium sump guard.
What’s more, the condition of the car throughout needs to be seen to be believed – it really is a lovely example. The panels are all straight and true, the shutlines are impeccable, and it’s a wonderful car to drive. Previously kept on the Isle of Man (as the extensive history file shows), it’s now back in London and ready to enjoy. An eminently usable SL in wonderful condition, with a highly desirable specification.
The History and Paperwork
- Original manuals
- Service book (stamped up to 44k)
- Original Mercedes ID card
- FIVA identity card
- Sheaf of old MOTs
The Condition
- Hard- and soft-tops
- Original MB-Tex trim
The Tunis Beige coachwork is an unusual choice for an SL, and it really suits the elegant lines of the Pagoda - and as you can see in the photographs, the panel gaps are even throughout, with gleaming chrome trim and everything lining up straight and true.
The light lenses and window glass are all in decent order, and the soft-top is good – it’s in tidy condition, stows neatly, and raises and latches freely. The car also has its correct matching hard-top, which is clean and complete inside and out.
The wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps, and are shod in a set of Vredestein Snowtrac tyres with plenty of tread.
The cabin is equally impressive, not least for the fact that it still has its original MB-Tex trim, all in great condition. The doorcards are tidy, as is the wood trim, and the dash is very neat with all gauges operating as they should. The carpets are clean and complete, and it’s all proper in the boot, with the spare wheel inside its proper cover.
Be sure to take a look at the photos of the underside of this car too – it’s not often you see a Pagoda as straight as this underneath.
The light lenses and window glass are all in decent order, and the soft-top is good – it’s in tidy condition, stows neatly, and raises and latches freely. The car also has its correct matching hard-top, which is clean and complete inside and out.
The wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps, and are shod in a set of Vredestein Snowtrac tyres with plenty of tread.
The cabin is equally impressive, not least for the fact that it still has its original MB-Tex trim, all in great condition. The doorcards are tidy, as is the wood trim, and the dash is very neat with all gauges operating as they should. The carpets are clean and complete, and it’s all proper in the boot, with the spare wheel inside its proper cover.
Be sure to take a look at the photos of the underside of this car too – it’s not often you see a Pagoda as straight as this underneath.
The Mechanics
- Engine and gearbox overhauled
- Brakes and suspension uprated
- Refurbed brake servo and new brake master cylinder fitted this week
As the extensive documentation attests, a lot of work has been carried out on this car to keep it tip-top, and it drives like an absolute dream. The engine has been treated to a head overhaul, new big ends and timing chain, plus new mounts; the transmission has also been overhauled and sits on fresh mounts. The suspension and brakes have been upgraded in sympathetic style, and beneath the car is a sump guard to keep those urban speedbumps at bay.
As such, the SL drives beautifully; the suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong. This Mercedes has had a large amount of time and money spent on it to ensure that all sorts of details throughout the drivetrain and chassis have been addressed, serviced or renewed, and it really does feel like a solid and high-quality car. Equipped with power steering and automatic transmission, it’s every bit the comfortable cruiser; there are no knocks, squeaks or rattles, this car cruises as smoothly as a quality Pagoda ought to.
As such, the SL drives beautifully; the suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong. This Mercedes has had a large amount of time and money spent on it to ensure that all sorts of details throughout the drivetrain and chassis have been addressed, serviced or renewed, and it really does feel like a solid and high-quality car. Equipped with power steering and automatic transmission, it’s every bit the comfortable cruiser; there are no knocks, squeaks or rattles, this car cruises as smoothly as a quality Pagoda ought to.
Summary
Any Pagoda is a desirable Pagoda, so they say. But if you’re in the market for a quality example that’s extremely usable, then you can filter out the noise of the others and set your sights directly on this one. We see a fair few of these SLs, and believe us when we say that this is one of the very best examples we’ve seen – the condition is highly pleasing, the provenance and history is reassuring, and it’s very enjoyable indeed to drive. If you’re in the market for a 280 SL (and even if you’re not), don’t let this one get away!
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1969
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class
- Colour Beige
- Odometer 96,245 Miles
- Engine size 2778
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Wandsworth
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
33
bids
- Ni•••• £117,000 10/06/24
- st•••• £117,000 10/06/24
- Ni•••• £115,000 10/06/24
- st•••• £112,000 10/06/24
- Ni•••• £110,000 10/06/24
- st•••• £108,000 10/06/24
- Ni•••• £106,000 10/06/24
- st•••• £104,000 10/06/24
- Ni•••• £102,000 10/06/24
- li•••• £99,000 10/06/24
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