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PRINCIPLE FACTS

Want a Pagoda with relatively low mileage? Check. Want one that's recently come from a dedicated long-term owner? Check. What about one with a history you can track right back to its construction? Check. Want one that's... OK, you get the idea. This flagship 280SL has many of the ideal boxes ticked and is ready to be enjoyed right away. Not to mention, it's also just been through our heritage workshop and gaining a big thumbs up from our technicians.

OVERVIEW & EQUIPMENT

This SL's interior lives up to the glamorous golden exterior. Although not clad in hide (instead making use of hard-wearing M-B Tex) this Pagoda's cabin exudes opulence in a way that even successive SLs can't match. The beauty of its dashboard with those classic dials are matched perfectly by rich wood and deep pile carpets.

Without many creature comforts, beyond the automatic transmission, this 280SL's audio has been upgraded to play MP3/ 4s. An additional cable routed either under the dash or via the glovebox gives you the option to connect hidden external devices.

CONDITION SYNOPSIS

Rather than undergoing a full restoration, this SL has survived with loving care from its seven former keepers. The most recent of which has invested a considerable amount in refreshing this stunning five-decade-old plus roadster.

Some panels (mainly front wings) have received attention over the years from a painter, but the quality of the colour match means these repairs are extremely hard to spot. Overall, the paint looks tremendous, with just a single stone chip to the nearside front wing (plus a paint scuff around the headlamp) the only mild imperfections worth mentioning. Chrome looks great throughout, with its mirror finish only mildly interrupted here and there by very light scratches.

The cabin also remains looking extremely healthy, which isn't unheard of with M-B Tex, but even considering this, the seats still look tremendous. They've just the right level of patina enabling them to perfectly blend in with the rest of the car. The hood looks to have been replaced very recently with its lining therefore free from marks.

HISTORY FILE

We can trace nearly all former keepers of this 280SL, which in itself is far from common, but why that's more relevant in this instance, is because we know a Mr Shashou bought the car in 1980. During his long-term ownership, expenditure on this Pagoda went through the roof. In 2014 for example, Mr Shashou spent £24, 094. 29 on an extensive overhaul, which included stripping the panels to paint certain sections. Further work at the time included fitting that beautiful brown hood, a period-correct carpet, as well as replacing the fuel pump, overhauling the brakes and giving the car a full service.

A further more up-to-date £2000 bill from 2021, included replacing the gearbox, engine and subframe mounts, along with both rear calipers. There are far too many invoices to mention here with the car's history folder full of bills for old MOTs, services and recommissioning work.

Other than the aforementioned audio mod, the only deviation from standard equipment is a swap to newer and more reliable W123 E-Class ignition.

SLSHOP SUMMARY

We've recently seen demand for Pagodas skyrocket, which is fantastic, though it means good examples aren't hanging around. This car's combination of talents make it appeal to a wide range of potential new owners. It's as suited to touring as it is car shows and is bound to impress, whatever is asked.