Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Restored Pagoda recently part of a classic car collection
- Smart and well presented Pagoda in great colour combination
- Desirable M130 2.8litre engine specification
- Supplied with matching ‘Pagoda’ hard top in good condition
- Fitted with optional air conditioning
The Appeal
Developing a new model to replace the iconic 190SL and 300SL was a tough ask for anyone but thankfully the team that created the new W113 included Paul Bracq, who went on to establish many of Mercedes-Benz’s classic 60s models.
The ‘Pagoda’ pulled off the remarkable feat of being both stylish and restrained. Handsome and equipped with a powerful range of engines, it established a lineage that continues to this day.
This smart 1970 Pagoda is nicely specified and has the desirable M130 2.8litre engine, one of the gem’s of Mercedes-Benz’s 1960s engineering output. We understand that it has been restored and it certainly presents very well. With the choice of hard top, soft top or no top, these cars are reliable and very usable and this one retains all of its immersive 60s style.
The History and Paperwork
- VIN records indicate that this car left the factory in its current configuration and is a late model W113 2.8
- We understand that the car has been restored but do not have sight of any documentation
- At the time of writing we were unable to check the factory VIN records
- Unfortunately we do not have sight of the service or maintenance records for this car
- We understand that the car is owned by an avid classic car collector and was part of his private fleet
- It appears to be a USA specification Sl with larger bumper over-riders
The Interior
- Beautifully detailed interior with wealth of beguiling features from the painted dashboard to the intricate switchgear
- The interior looks very well cared for and reflects either a restoration or careful ownership - or both
- Appears to be very original, right down to the Becker Mexico audio system
- Fitted with air conditioning which we are told may need regassed
- Big, comfy ‘faux leather’ vinyl seats appear to be original
- Woven carpets in matching light tan and in very good condition
- Door cards in very good condition with well preserved fitments
- Protective over mats
- Fillet of wood veneer on dash top in good condition, just some minor delamination visible
- Dashboard trimmed in matching faux leather vinyl
- Body colour dashboard with clear dials in good condition
- Delightful Nardi laminated wood and steel steering wheel
- Boot area in good condition with clean carpeting
- Spare wheel and spare wheel cover in boot
The Exterior
- Handsome styling with clever use of lines and chrome detailing
- The W113 established a style for SLs that endured for decades
- Purposeful stance and good chrome show just why these cars are so sought after
- Smart ‘Mexican hat’ optional alloy wheels in very good condition
- We understand that the body has been restored
- Consistent panel gaps, clean lines and good shut lines too
- Black canvas roof in good condition and appears to work and fold correctly
- Clear Perspex panels on roof with no visible cracking or stiffening
- Body colour Pagoda hard top roof with distinctive concave top that gave the car its name
- Good glasswork, chromework and lights
- Appears to be a US market model with larger bumper over-riders
The Mechanics
- M130 2.8litre Mercedes-Benz in line 6cyl engine developing around 165bhp
- This was the most powerful engine available in the W113 before the R107 arrived
- Every engine was bench tested for two hours before being installed in the car
- This is a pre-November 1970 car as it has the black expansion tank
- 4spd automatic gearbox
- Regrettably we do not have any maintenance history for this car at the time of writing so cannot verify the mileage or service records
Summary
The W113 introduced a new style for open top Mercedes that endured for decades and became synonymous with the marque. More powerful versions were gradually added of which the 165bhp 280SL was top of the tree and fully exploited the car’s relaxed, long-legged cruising potential.
This smart 1970 280SL shows just why these cars are so revered, over 50 years since the last one left the factory. Nicely preserved and fresh from life in a classic car collection, it looks like a hugely rewarding purchase for anyone who admires these superb cars.
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