Perhaps one of Paul Bracq's greatest styling masterpieces ever, the Mercedes-Benz W113 is packed with subtle curves, fishbowl headlights and an unusual concave hardtop that gives the car its distinctive name - the 'Pagoda'. These remarkable cars have earned an enduring reputation and continue to be highly prized by everyone who comes across one.
We're sure this example will have exactly that effect on you, and it certainly stands out from the crowd thanks to its unusual and rather understated raspberry paintwork. The colour is very different from the more garish reds in the Mercedes-Benz palette, and works perfectly with the car's subtle, curved lines.
This car has been in the hands of its current owner since 1987 and has always been well maintained. With a MOT valid until July 2025 and a full service history, this is a superb prospect that you really shouldn't pass up. A perfect combination of style, colour and mechanics!rawsl230-08.jpg3.71 MB
History and Documentation
This 1965 car has had at least 2 registered owners
It has had only one owner since 1987 and has been maintained with great care since then
The vehicle has always been parked in closed garages
It has been driven infrequently, but regularly, over these 37 years
No major modifications have been made to the original vehicle, but regular servicing of the engine, tyres and braking system has been carried out.
The service booklet is available to the next owner
The MOT has always been passed, and is valid until July 2025
The serial numbers are marked as matching
Condition
Very nice bodywork with unusual raspberry paintwork
Imperfections only visible on close inspection
No dents or marks on the bodywork
Chrome parts are clean with limited patina
Original colour-matched wheels with light marks and wear
Solid underbody with slight signs of wear
Hard top in good condition and correctly fitted
The Pagoda is a car that rewards every look. It's a remarkable piece of design, with subtle curves, a short white chassis, remarkably confident handling and Bosch 'fishbowl' headlights surrounding a very distinctive full-width grille. Of course, there's also the distinctive hardtop that gives it the title of 'Pagoda', adding further allure to its fabulous style.
This very elegant example is no exception. Dressed in a rare raspberry hue - a very subdued, almost ochre colour scheme, it is truly remarkable, with its lines intact and only limited wear in keeping with its age - limited mainly to a few scratches, marks or paint chips, none of which seem particularly severe for a sixty-year-old vehicle.
The hardtop appears to be in good condition, the chrome components are well presented - with a slight patina - and the car sits on its original matching wheels. In short, this is a beautiful, beautiful car that will catch the eye wherever it goes.
The interior is in generally good condition, considering the car's years.
The dashboard is in excellent condition, including the radio, which triggers the antenna extension when switched on
All instruments are clear and legible
The seats and interior carpet are original and show slight signs of wear, but no signs of tears or holes
The leather is in a very attractive tan colour scheme, adorned with chrome and walnut veneers
The elegant lines of the exterior extend perfectly into a beautifully maintained cabin. With richly textured leather, free from any tears or cracks, this vehicle offers a real step back in time. There's a slight patina that's very attractive, but nothing intrusive. There are no visible tears, cracks or splits in the leather, and the seats feel very full and comfortable.
The dashboard is beautifully maintained with eye-catching wooden fascias and chrome instruments, all very clear and legible. We understand that everything is in good working order - and it's a very nice pairing with the raspberry paint, to boot.
The Mechanics
2.3-litre, 6-cylinder M127.II engine
4-speed manual transmission
Engine compartment in good condition and very original
The engine starts instantly and the car is very pleasant to drive
The engine is powerful enough and runs perfectly
The Technical Inspection has highlighted the following points, but they are all well below a problematic threshold:
Suspension asymmetry of 2% at the front and 11% at the rear (must be < 30%)
Drift of 2.4 m/km (must be less than 8.8)
Braking imbalance of 2% at the front and 1% at the rear (must be < 20%)
The Pagoda is a much-loved classic that can still inspire its driver. It also benefits from legendary Mercedes-Benz build quality, which any enthusiast will tell you is a superb asset to have!
The vendor reports that the car has been regularly serviced and that any MOT defects are very minor, and that they have driven between Paris and Toulouse with great pleasure, with no mechanical problems to report. It apparently offers a very easy drive, with smooth gear changes and a powerful engine that continues to impress its current owners.
Now it's your turn to get behind the wheel.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic's 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 that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.
✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.
✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection 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 offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.
✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI-checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].
