The W113-generation Mercedes SL, nicknamed ‘Pagoda’ for its artfully concave roof, has come to be regarded as one of the all-time design classics among the likes of the Jaguar E-Type and BMC’s Mini – timeless and ever-desirable shapes which also happen to house robust running gear and engaging driving dynamics. As sumptuous as they are as objets d’art, these Pagodas are cars that you genuinely could drive every day if you so desired.

There were three model variants offered over the Pagoda’s lifespan: the launch-spec 230 SL sold from 1963-67, the 250 SL from ’66-68, and the 2.8-litre 280 SL from 1967 to the end of the line in ’71. It’s the latter we have here, a 1968 model, and for some buyers out there this is going to be the most desirable of all… the highly sought-after 280 in arguably the finest colour combination, complete with hard- and soft-tops.

Its delightful condition is thanks to it having been recently treated to a full body repaint in Spain, the fresh deep blue paint having a gorgeous lustre when the sun hits it, and the drive back from Spain to the UK proved the car’s stellar grand-touring credentials. While out there it also received a top-end engine rebuild, and today it runs like a dream.

The right car in the right spec, in fabulous mechanical and aesthetic condition – how can you resist...?

 

The design of the Pagoda’s interior is a masterful combination of elegance and functionality. It really is beautifully conceived, and the condition of this SL’s cabin showcases that to the full. Sporting the iconic thin-rimmed steering wheel, colour-coded dash and tasteful seat trim in the classic two-seater format, it’s a period-perfect snapshot of 1960s style. All of the correct trim pieces and controls are in place, and everything is working as it should.

The windows wind up and down correctly, and the seats tilt to allow access to the rear storage space. The seats and doorcards are the original Mercedes MB Tex and are clean and tidy, and the matching carpets are in similarly impressive condition. The stereo is the only deviation from standard specs, being a Pioneer radio-cassette from (we’d assume) the late-’90s/early-’00s.

As you’d expect of a car that’s recently repainted, the body presents very well indeed, and frankly looks gorgeous from all angles. The panel gaps are good with the doors sitting straight, and all of the correct chrome trim is present and correct. The light lenses and window glass are good, and the wheels wear colour-coded centre caps along with matching Falken tyres with good tread.

 The hard-top is in excellent order with good glass, no evident corrosion and a complete headlining. The soft-top has been renewed, and is a quality item that’s easy to raise, affix and lower.
 

The 2.8-litre M130 engine is a supremely gutsy thing, as strong and dependable as it is smooth and eager. And this one’s in particularly fine fettle, having been treated to a top-end rebuild including new valves, gaskets and seals, head bolts, thermostat, water pump, belts, oil and filter.

The automatic transmission is a perfect accompaniment, and this is a slick-shifting unit that behaves perfectly. The car has been fitted with a full stainless steel exhaust system front-to-back from Powerflow – and it’s a tasteful setup that accentuates the characterful rasp and still sounds very much like a Pagoda should.

Our test drive demonstrated that the car is incredibly smooth – starting easily, idling correctly, and pulling eagerly through the revs and through the gears. Everything works as it should with no worrying noises, leaks or anything of that nature; this is an SL which has been properly looked after, and it feels it. There’s no slack in the steering, no hesitance from the brakes, no graunching from the suspension – it really does feel remarkably tight for a car built in 1968.
 

BEFORE YOU BUY 

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