This is a Pagoda with a very interesting history indeed. A genuine UK-market right-hand-drive car, this matching-numbers example has spent some of its life in Hong Kong, owned by an enthusiast with a keen eye for detail and correctness. While it was out there, it received an extensive and thorough restoration to a highly impressive standard, and was entered in concours events where it enjoyed much success. 

Over the course of his twenty-three-year ownership, this Mercedes-Benz aficionado expended huge amounts of time and money on sourcing the correct parts to carry out this fabulous resto, and the results speak for themselves – an insurance valuation certificate in the paperwork file shows that the Mercedes-Benz Club valued this car at £190,000 in 2022. 

The car was repatriated to the UK in 2003, receiving extensive work to further enhance it, and was subsequently successful in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz Club SL Day as runner-up and the 2006 Ragley Hall Concours as class winner, with trophies to show for these events. The car has a staggeringly impressive history file with invoices of circa £50,000. Finished in a very desirable colour scheme and an absolute joy to drive, this is a Pagoda not to be missed – a truly special example. 

 

 
 

The light metallic blue coachwork really complements the elegant lines of the Pagoda - and as you can see in the photographs, the restoration has been carried out to an impressive standard. The panel gaps are even throughout, with gleaming chrome trim and everything lining up straight and true. The light lenses and window glass are all good, and the soft-top is impressive – it’s in super condition, stows neatly, and raises and latches freely. 

The wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps, and are shod in a set of Michelin tyres with plenty of tread.  Moving inside, we find a delightful cabin. The seats are very well presented, having been retrimmed in black leather, and they’re pleasingly supportive; the doorcards are tidy and there’s fresh wood trim on the dash-top. 

The dash itself is very neat, with a period Becker Mexico radio/cassette installed. The carpets are clean and complete, and it’s all correct in the boot, with the spare wheel inside its proper cover. 

 

The restoration involved a top-end engine rebuild as well as a new gearbox, along with extensive detailing throughout. As such, the SL drives beautifully; the suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong. This Mercedes has had a very large amount of money spent on it to ensure that all sorts of details throughout the drivetrain and chassis have been addressed, serviced or renewed, and it really does feel like a solid and high-quality car that’s ready to enjoy. 

Equipped with power steering and automatic transmission, it’s every bit the comfortable cruiser, and it has that unique and distinctive exhaust rasp under acceleration that’s so often lost with inferior aftermarket systems. There are no knocks, squeaks or rattles, this car cruises as smoothly as a quality Pagoda should. 

 

This is a truly delightful 280 SL, with all the right ingredients present. The winning combo of automatic transmission, power steering, and right-hand-drive makes it very desirable, and the fact that this matching-numbers car has been so thoughtfully restored makes for an absolutely divine Pagoda. The car drives so sweetly, and that all-important valuation certificate proves that this beauty is more than skin-deep.  

 BEFORE YOU BUY 

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