The fabulous design of the ‘Pagoda’ SL has ensured an enduring appeal, while the robust mechanicals mean that, unlike many of its classic contemporaries, this is a car that you could genuinely use and enjoy every day if you so desired. And if you’ve got your eye on a Pagoda, this one right here is the spec you want: it’s a 280, meaning it’s the final-model arrangement with the 2.8-litre engine, and it has the sought-after combo of automatic transmission and power steering. It’s in lovely condition inside and out, complete with soft-top and factory hard-top, and it really is a delight to drive… and there’s an interesting back story too.

 It's a UK-spec car, built in 1970, but its early years were spent abroad as it was first registered in the UK in 1983, at which point it had c.30k miles on the clock. Since then it’s led an impressively pampered life, it has only had low ownership as the paperwork file demonstrates. Every MOT certificate from 1984 to 2025 is here, so we can reasonably assume that the mileage on the clock is genuine. It’s also worth noting that the SL received a full replacement engine in 2001 at a cost of over £13,000, and the car has covered a mere 7200 miles since then.

 What really makes this car attractive is the fact that it’s clearly been so cherished and doted upon. The history file is stuffed with extensive notes written by the long-term owner (who purchased it from Chelsea Cars way back in 2006), detailing his life with the car in terms of maintenance and general motoring adventures in incredible detail. Money can’t buy provenance like this, it’s something earned by the choicest cars with the most fastidious owners, and it adds something truly special to this Pagoda’s story.
 

 

Resplendent in dark blue leather trim, the cabin of this SL is a thoroughly pleasant place to be. The iconic thin-rimmed steering wheel takes a mere finger-twirl under cornering thanks to the power steering, and the car is fitted with its original Blaupunkt push-button radio. 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 have clean and tidy trim, and the matching carpets are in similarly impressive condition.

The body presents very well indeed, finished in a tasteful and elegant shade of Light Blue Metallic. 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 caps along with matching Michelin tyres with good tread. It’s also interesting to note that the wheels have been painted in a striking shade of duck egg blue, including the spare in the boot. Speaking of which, the boot is very tidy, and lifting up the boot floor covering reveals that it’s very solid underneath.

The factory hard-top is in excellent order with good glass, no evident corrosion and a complete headlining. The soft-top is a quality item that fits well; it’s easy to raise, affix and lower – and whereas some Pagoda soft-tops require an unnervingly hard slam to get the rear pin to locate, this one only needs a gentle push to have it sitting true. The car also comes with a wind deflector tailored to the model.

As the paperwork demonstrates, this car was treated to a replacement engine in 2001, and it’s only covered c.7200 miles since. The 2.8-litre M130 engine is an eager and willing unit, and the automatic transmission is a perfect accompaniment; this is a slick-shifting ’box that behaves just as it should.

 During our test drive, the car proved itself to be exceptionally smooth – it starts easily, idles happily, and pulls keenly through the revs and through the gears. Everything is functioning as it should – 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 – this cherished example is every bit as cossetting and premium-feeling as an SL ought to be.

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. 

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