Cherished license plate with cheeky Austin Powers persona is included with the sale
THE APPEAL
The second generation of Mercedes-Benz’s “Sports Leicht” or SL series was introduced in 1964 and was an instant success, thanks in no small part to its drop-dead gorgeous looks.
Known as the ‘Pagoda’ thanks to its distinctive inwardly tapered hardtop, the SL has gone on to become hugely collectable with the best examples easily commanding six figures.
This one is all-the-more desirable thanks to being a genuine right-hand-drive UK car model – many of the Pagodas on the market are US imports, which are less attractive thanks to their thicker bumpers and twin headlamps, not to mention LHD. But not this one. This one is the real deal – a Pagoda that looks exactly as Mercedes intended, and in one of the best colours.
It was restored and repainted silver in the late 1990s and still looks terrific, having been with its current owner for 17 years, during which time he has kept on top of any repairs or maintenance the Mercedes has needed. Prior to that, it comes with records of servicing and repair work going right back to the 1980s. dbFDPjv34WR9dZioi9C1UWxvHaodBI8EnC0B7qJH.jpg986.96 KB
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Owned by vendor for 17 years
UK V5C
Older restoration
Some historic invoices and MOTs
Several more recent receipts, including one for over £4,800 for repair and service work carried out by a reputable classic car specialist in December 2021
Original owners’ manual, dealer directory and document wallet
Inside, this car is in superb fettle. The seats are trimmed in excellent black leather and look fabulous, set-off beautifully by a delicate black-rimmed steering wheel and discreet wooden fascia inlays.
The painted metal is in good order, while all of the dials work as they should. The carpets are good, and the car retains its original fabric roof stowed beneath the rear deck, which is in equally fine order. It’s set off by a wonderful original-spec Becker Mexico stereo radio-cassette player, which was offered as a factory fitted option by Mercedes-Benz when the Pagoda models were new.wqy2GkD1gAE6UUGdFOgnrpJWliqfiN7YzCcWor8k.jpg967.82 KB
THE EXTERIOR
Silver Metallic
Older restoration still in lovely order
Excellent roof
Good chrome and trim
Finished in the imaginatively named Mercedes-Benz Silver, the Pagoda was restored in the late 1990s and repainted from white.
It’s an absolute stunner, with no major flaws to the body – just a few very minor marks to the bottom of one sill and some small chips on the front wings, plus some tiny scuffs around the roof mounting points. The paint is very good, as is the exterior chrome work.
Both the fabric roof and metal hardtop are in good condition although there are a couple of small nicks in the fabric of the soft-top that will need addressing should you wish to take the car to the next level.
Underneath, it’s in sound order with no apparent significant corrosion, with evidence of some past repairs that have clearly been carried out to a high standard. The fuel tank appears to be almost new. FFlj0j18NPGlUT9g3VV0KO0cm5UwLDbWvAmw5nuk.jpg1.04 MB
THE MECHANICS
2.8-litre straight six
Three-speed auto
Recent full service
Drives well with no known issues
Included in the history file for the Pagoda is an invoice for over £4,800 of work carried out in December 2021, less than 300 miles ago, when the Mercedes was given a full service and a new fuel injection pump, fuel lines, fuel pump and brake overhaul.
It has previously seen regular maintenance from specialists and is in good running order with no known or apparent faults or issues.
The vendor reports that the car drives very well indeed, with lively performance from the venerable Mercedes-Benz straight-six and a smooth three-speed automatic transmission.jK1siwHc3VblNeqZSTy7Yq243XftHspkJ9RdZWAB.jpg736.65 KB
SUMMARY
This is a fabulous example of the well-loved and increasingly collectible Pagoda, well presented, with a good history, a great colour and in gorgeous condition throughout.
It’s a great example in show-worthy condition, a correct right-hand-drive UK car with provenance and it represents a terrific investment opportunity for the discerning collector.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
