The Mercedes W113 SL Pagoda range of cars were introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Motor show and were manufactured between 1963 and 1971 in three variants, 230, 250 and 280SL. The 280SL produced from January 1968 to March 1971 was the final iteration of the W113SL Pagoda and featured arguably the best Pagoda power plant of all.

The 280SL was equipped with a new M130 straight six engine featuring a high lift camshaft and displacing 2. 8 litres, the M130 engine produced 168bhp @5750rpm and 177ftlb torque at 4500rpm and incorporating all the improvements from the previous 250SL models, all wheel disc brakes and duplex timing chains with a more torquey touring focused set up which has made the 280SL version the model to have especially in favoured automatic gearbox format.

The car we have here was manufactured in December 1969, the year of largest Mercedes Pagoda production, and was first registered in the USA as were a significant number of the cars produced such was the popularity of the model in the USA. We have a Letter of Conformity from Mercedes Benz and the important Data Sheet to verify this.

Little is known about the cars early history in the USA until it was exported to Japan and registered there on 05 February 1997. The Japanese registration documents are in the history file and it’s probably at this point that the speedometer was converted to a metric KPH unit that is still fitted to the car. Japan is well known for having a very car friendly climate and very high standards of road worthiness requirements. The Pagoda remained in Japan until September 2015 when it was shipped to the UK and sold to its first UK owner.
An extensive documented full restoration of the Pagoda was carried out which was completed in October 2018 and the car was first registered in the UK. We have loads of invoices from the restoration and a photographic record of the work done. During the restoration the car’s colour was changed from White (050) to the current Anthracite Grey (172) and the interior changed from Black MTex (131) to Light Red Leather (204). The car was also Europeanised with the fitting of European headlights etc.

A list of the work done and parts replaced is extensive, including
- Boot floor and foot wells
- All 4 wings
- Renovated steering Box and steering gear
- New suspension system, springs, shock absorbers and mountings
- New brake master cylinder, calipers, pads and all solid and flexible brake lines
- Michelin MXV white wall tyres
- Full Interior trim, carpets and hood
- Engine – electronic 123 distributer and new injectors
- Engine and sub frame mountings
- Overhauled mechanical fuel injector pump and new fuel lines
- New 80 litre fuel tank
- All new cooling system hoses
- Stainless Steel Exhaust system
- Engine and gearbox checked and verified to be in excellent condition

Following the restoration and UK registration the Pagoda was sold to a gentleman in Dublin Ireland who kept the car until February 2021 when Shiltech in Leicester brokered a sale to the current owner who lives in Hampshire. As a long term client of Lovegrove Classics the Mercedes Pagoda restoration specialists now operating out of Silchester Garage, the owner asked them to go through the car and verify its condition and carry out any repairs required.

Lovegrove Classics work to exacting standards and know these cars inside out, they spent considerable time and effort going through every aspect of the car, fettling, setting up and renewing any components that didn’t meet their high standards to make sure this 280SL drove and handled exactly like it should and would also be a reliable proposition for its new owner. As part of this process they completely cleaned the underside and made sure there was no corrosion and that the previous body repairs had been done correctly. The underbody pictures we have verify that the car is unbelievably clean and in superb condition.

So here you have it, a super desirable Mercedes Benz Pagoda 280SL with automatic transmission in possibly the most appealing colour combination that wants for nothing and drives and runs as these iconic cars should. Being a LHD car it is absolutely perfect for continental touring and a great investment for years to come that can also be enjoyed. Yes, there are cheaper LHD Pagodas for sale but the time, money and expertise that has gone into refurbishing this 280SL will turn out to make it a wise buy in the long term.

It’s a car we adore and that never fails to get appreciative comments in its stunning colour combination. Finally as a historic car it is fully ULEZ exempt. Give us a call to find out more about this stunning car and arrange a test drive, you won’t be disappointed!! Especially at the new price for a quick sale!!