Highlights

A fine looking W113 benefiting from a 2011/ 2012 restoration
Matching numbers
Diligently stored since helping to retain an excellent overall condition
Just four keepers to date and a desirable UK supplied model
Complete with a generous and instructive paperwork archive

The Appeal

The Mercedes-Benz W113 needed to be good. It was given the task of replacing two models – one of which was the seminal 300SL “Gullwing.” Luckily, Friedrich Geiger was charged with designing the new car. His previous commission? The 300SL Gullwing. The W113 took a different route, more akin to the boulevard cruising 190SL (the other car it was replacing) than the deeply sports orientated 300SL. Whilst some may have lamented this path, it was a sound decision and the esteemed W113 went on to be a huge success, particularly in the critical North American market.

Whilst its design was very much of the Mercedes-Benz “less is more” school, there is much charming detail to be enjoyed here. Those glorious fishbowl headlamps are only outdone by Béla Barényi’s slightly concave roof treatment – the feature that would earn the car its “Pagoda” nickname.

The History & Paperwork

First registered in the UK in March 1965
Enjoyed by just four registered keepers to date
The previous owner retained the SL for around 20 years
It was the previous owner who commissioned a full restoration in 2011/12
This restoration addressed all facets of the SL to bring them to the standard you see here
This includes paintwork, bodywork, interior and mechanical systems
The current keeper acquired this Pagoda in 2023
The car has been very lightly used in current ownership
When not in use the SL has been professionally stored
This W113 is reported to come with a generous paperwork file
This includes the V5 Registration document
This classifies the Mercedes as an Historic Vehicle
As such it is considered MOT exempt and zero rated for vehicle excise duty in the UK
There are many earlier MOTs included
The SL was last MOT’d in April 2007 at 86,928 miles
The archive also includes photographs from the earlier restoration
Numerous original booklets and manuals are also present

The Condition

During this SL’s restoration it was professionally resprayed in its original white hue
Given the light subsequent use and diligent storage this still looks very fresh and bright
It presents in a highly original specification despite restoration
Both bodywork and paintwork look in fine fettle overall
The vendor does report some minor paint cracks in places
The bright white paintwork is accompanied by just enough gleaming brightwork
The head turning looks are further enhanced by a burgundy coloured hood
The 14-inch steel wheels are disguised by body coloured and chromed hubcaps
A matching set of Firestone, period look radial tyres are noted
The front of the SL even retains the ridges in the bodywork beloved by SL connoisseurs
The sporting cabin is finished in a charming two tone livery
The seats feature cream coloured centre panels
These are perforated leather and stitched into vertical box pleats
The bolsters are finished in smooth, red leather
The seat extremities are finished in white piping
The condition of these looks to be excellent
The seat backs fold forward to provide access to the carpeted luggage shelf
Berber style carpets are finished in a complementary red hue
These are edge bound for added durability
The dashboard fascia is finished in body coloured steel
An appealing set of VDO gauges are present
This consists of a circular speedometer and tachometer
Between this sits a portrait orientation multifunctional gauge
The radio is noted as missing and some wood trim is reportedly loose and marked in places
The well-shaped boot is finished in matt black paintwork
This provides a home for the spare wheel and tyre

The Mechanics

This W113 is fitted with the 2.3-litre straight six M127.II engine
This single overhead camshaft unit features an oversquare design
The unit was originally rated at an output of 150bhp
It also produced 108 Ib-ft of torque
In this configuration it is mated to a four speed automatic transmission
The vendor confirms the mechanical specification to be standard
The compression was tested at the point of restoration and found to be strong
It reportedly starts and drives as expected
Some smoke is noticed when driving but the oil pressure displayed is good
The engine bay is well presented, clean and original looking
The suspension, braking and steering systems and chassis were all restored in 2011/12
As a result the underside of the SL truly belies the car’s age

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 of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s 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 fee. 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 and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.

✓ 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.