1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL “Pagoda” – Auction Car of the Week

There’s a reason why the Mercedes-Benz SL W113 is universally revered as one of the prettiest cars to ever grace tarmac. Come on, just look at it. It’s a captivating collection of metal, glass and rubber that’s way more impressive than the sum of its individual parts, and those are some pretty impressive parts in their own right we hasten to add. More commonly known as the “Pagoda”, most know the story by now of how the car acquired its Asian-influenced nickname thanks to its unique, concave hardtop reminiscent of the roofs of those traditional tiered religious towers.

And it could be said that Paul Bracq’s design is itself rather heavenly, if you believe in that sort of thing. Instantly recognisable and arguably up there with the most iconic cars of all time, the Pagoda was introduced in 1963 to rapturous approval, and not just for its good looks either. All versions of the handsome two-seater, whether the hard top coupé or convertible, were fitted with buttery smooth, fuel-injected six cylinder engines in either 2.3, 2.5 or 2.8-litre guises, giving rise to the 230, 250 and 280 nomenclature respectively.

Produced effectively to offer something sportier than the 190SL as well as a car less racy, and indeed less expensive than the 300SL, the Pagoda slotted nicely into the Mercedes-Benz line up and it remains one of the finest models to ever come out of Stuttgart. Technologically it was a bit of a revelation too. With four-wheel independent suspension, optional power steering and deformable crumple zones it was strong, reliable, safe and fast, especially in 280 spec.

And its a 280 that is the focus of this feature. Available via our auctions platform for your bidding pleasure this is no ordinary Pagoda. Not only does it have famous musical connections but it also belongs in that enviable bracket of cars with one careful lady owner. Gifted new to said owner by none other than Steve Winwood (known for his work in the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, before a highly successful solo career – Valerie anyone?) – whose name appears in the comprehensive service and history file – the car has subsequently been looked after by the much-respected and renowned SL specialist Steve Redfearn for the past 40 years.

The car’s clearly cherished life is evinced not only by the accompanying documentation (the scope of which needs to be seen to be believed), but also by the delectable condition in which it currently presents itself. The light metallic blue paintwork is perfectly complemented by dark blue MB-Tex interior trim, the car’s original factory spec, and it’s a tasteful combination. The car received new wings and a full respray, including the famous Pagoda hard top, in 2005 and the refresh has endured the interim 19 years admirably.

The engine was also previously rebuilt and all of the oily bits are on point, with said oil remaining very much inside where it belongs. Adding up the various invoices shows a spend of over £100,000 which should tell you all you need to know about the mechanical integrity of this particular Pagoda. Optioned from the factory with power steering and a four-speed automatic transmission the car is the quintessential comfortable cruiser, wafting as effortlessly as any good Pagoda should. Combine that with the 170bhp six-cylinder and you have a perfect match. Further add to this the car’s outstanding provenance and impeccable documentation and resistance becomes almost impossible.

So isn’t it about time you appreciated the finer things and worshipped at the temple of Mercedes-Benz? Roll with it and get back in the high life with this Pagoda, we guarantee you won’t regret it.