In the same family ownership nearly 26 years, with one American lady owner before that
Described as "one of the most original and unrestored examples" upon purchase and exportation in 1999, with only 2,000 miles covered since
Comprehensive documentation including original title deed and bill of sale
Matching numbers example
Recently received £11,000 of mechanical recommissioning work carried out by the SL Shop and Red Castle motors (all documented below)
Lightly used for day trips
Please see an updated video and some photos which have been uploaded by the owner today
The Appeal
The Mercedes-Benz 'Pagoda' represents one of the most elegant and desirable classic roadsters ever produced, combining timeless styling with refined German engineering. This subtle Paul Bracq-penned sports car was loaded with gentle curves and characteristic slab-sided shapes - topped, of course, with that distinctive concave hard top.
This particular left-hand drive example stands out not only for that utterly charming livery - though it's certainly turned our head - but has been in the same family ownership for a quarter of a century, and has clearly been very well kept. It's an excellent, honest and eminently drivable Pagoda that has been thoroughly recommissioned in order to return to the road.
With less than 2,000 miles covered in the last 26 years and always stored in dry conditions, this beautiful example is bound to impress.
The vendor says:
"The car is an honest 280 SL from a known line of ownership. It has never been raced, driven hard or in fact driven much in the last 26 years of our ownership. It has not been restored in our ownership, only mechanically checked and fixed where needed. It needs an owner who has a passion for these old cars - something that we realise we don't have time to nurture - and hence the sale. The new owner will get a very drivable classic which literally turns heads on every drive. Our last outing to the pub had three separate people coming to me to remark on how lovely the car is! The car drives well, but it is a classic and not like driving a modern car. Steering is light, acceleration is good, and the noise from the engine is fantastic. I most love driving with the roof down at 40-50 mph on B-roads, which seems to be the natural habitat."
Some paint bubbling around rear valance, wheel arch, and door edges
Slight misshape in bonnet chrome
Wheels are in good condition
Michelin tyres all with 6mm+ tread
Underneath shows no signs of corrosion
Some superficial surface oxidation
Blue interior unchanged since 1999
Seats are all original
Some updates done to the dashboard
No rips or tears in upholstery
Carpet has no underlay
Passenger headrest has a faulty zip
Dashboard fully functional
One heater slider control is stiff
No boot mat (didn't come with one)
Soft top pillar seals need renewing
Soft top requires firm pushing down to latch (adjustment to frame suggested)
Tarnishing of rear vinyl window
Weather proofing seals degrading
Deck & boot seal should be replaced for water tightness
Eminently drivable and honest, this fine W113 is ready and waiting to hit the road. Unlike many Pagodas that get thoroughly overhauled and left with little originality, we're told this Pagoda is very original. The striking livery certainly gets our attention, and perfectly suits the car's subtle lines, while the gentle wear here and there is very much in line with a well-maintained but venerable vehicle.
Internally, the car's handsome cabin is nicely kept and well-presented, with only a perished seals and gentle wear and tear to note. We expect this should be pretty easy to bring up to snuff and that it'll prove very rewarding - though frankly, the patina only adds to the car's charm and is more than servicable.
Vehicle is mechanically sound (confirmed by SLShop health check)
Recommissioning work (£5,020) in 2022 included:
New fuel tank
Cleared fuel lines & injectors
New fuel pump
Engine service
Exhaust system repair
Replacement of near-side suspension components
Brake fluid change
Lubrication
SLShop health check and repairs (£6,000) in June 2025 included:
Replacement brake servo
New engine mounts
New exhaust components
Replacement windscreen wipers
Replacement air intake hose
Renewed subframe bush mounts
Small amount of play in a rear wheel bearing noted
New copper brake lines installed
New exhaust system installed
The W113 isn't, perhaps, the world's most powerful car - but it's an immensely refined one, with a reputation for endurance. This one should tick all of the boxes for the enthusiast - it's very original, with plenty of recent investment in recommissioning and preventative maintenance to keep it at its best. These handsome cars are practically purpose built for leisurely cruising, and the vendor proudly tells us that the car is operating as it should. image.png3.71 MB
BEFORE YOU BUY
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