This isn’t just a 280 SL: this is a unicorn. It’s almost unheard of to find a Pagoda that’s had just one owner from new, let alone one that’s in such delectable condition. The accompanying paperwork file is extensive and fastidiously ordered chronologically, so the whole history of the car can be traced.

What makes the story even more exciting is that this owner, who’s lovingly cherished the SL for all these years, was gifted the car when it was brand new by a very well-known figure in the music industry, Steve Winwood (known for his work in the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, before a highly successful solo career) whose name can be found in the documentation. For over forty years it’s been maintained by the much-respected SL specialist Steve Redfearn, with many invoices to show everything he’s done for the car over the decades.

We can see from the history file that the SL was treated to some restoration work with Redfearn in 2005, at a cost of £16,859, which included new front and rear wings and a complete body repaint (including the matching hard-top and wheel trims) along with an aesthetic and mechanical refresh. It had further minor refurbishment back in 1993 with Nigel Cooper, and the engine was rebuilt in 1983.

All of this history is laid bare for the next owner’s forensic analysis! (And it’s worth bearing in mind that while we have included a lot of photos of the paperwork here, that’s just a fraction of the documentation – the scope of it needs to be seen to be believed.)
Quite simply, this SL has everything going for it.

A matching-numbers car, right-hand-drive, power steering, automatic transmission, original-spec colour scheme, data card present, original manuals… plus it’s in absolutely lovely condition and it’s dreamy to drive. It really would be very difficult to find a more desirable Pagoda than this one. 

 

The light metallic blue paintwork is complemented by dark blue MB-Tex trim, the car’s original factory spec, and it’s a tasteful combination. As you can see in the photographs, the restoration work carried out in 2005 was done 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 a recent mohair item which stows neatly, and raises and latches freely. The original hard-top was repainted at the same time as the body – and aside from some small corrosion bubbles beneath the paint near to the top of the windscreen, it’s a solid unit with a good headlining.

The wheels wear the correct matching hubcaps (which, again, were repainted during the resto), and are shod in a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres with plenty of tread – a very popular brand of quality tyre for these cars.

The cabin is just as impressive as the exterior. The seats are very well presented, trimmed in the original and much sought-after MB-Tex, and they’re pleasingly supportive; the doorcards are tidy and there’s good quality wood trim on the dash-top. The dash itself is neat, with a Blaupunkt Vancouver stereo the only deviation from stock.

The carpets have been replaced and all present very well, and it’s all correct in the boot, with the spare wheel inside its proper cover.

 

As the extensive documentation attests, a lot of work has been carried out on this car to keep it tip-top, and it drives splendidly. It fires up on the first turn of the key, settles into an even idle, and pulls with the trademark SL vigour through the revs, the auto ’box shifting smoothly. 

The suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong. This Mercedes has had a large amount of time and money spent on it over the years (circa £100,000) across the decades), and it really does feel like a solid and high-quality car. 

Equipped with power steering and automatic transmission, it’s every bit the comfortable cruiser; there are no knocks, squeaks or rattles, this car wafts as smoothly as a quality Pagoda ought to. And with that outstanding provenance and impeccable documentation, it really is hard to resist, isn’t it?

 

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. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 

✓ We also  check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and  it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer. 

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com