Skip to content
  • We Are SLSHOP
  • The world’s leading classic SL destination. Welcome to SLSHOP.
tel +44 (0) 1789 337 070
SLSHOP
  • HOME
  • Showroom
    • Classic Mercedes-Benz
      • Showroom
      • Current Inventory
    • New Builds
      • W113 Factory
      • R107 Factory
      • R107 Sportline
      • R107 Electric
    • Selling Your SL
      • Valuation
      • Consignment Sale
      • Sell Us Yours
      • Previously Sold
    • BN COL 1
      • The SL Market

      • Buying

    • BN COL 2
      • SLSHOP Warranty

      • We are SLSHOP

  • Owner Services
    • W113 SL Tailored Services
      • W113 Pagoda Servicing
      • W113 Pagoda Setup
      • W113 Pagoda Restoration
    • R107 SL Tailored Services
      • R107 Servicing
      • R107 Bulkhead Repair
      • R107 Correct Restoration
      • USA to Euro Cosmetic Conversion
      • Hard & Soft Top Adjustment
      • Bulkhead Check
      • Sportline
    • R129 SL Tailored Services
      • R129 Servicing
      • R129 Diagnostics
      • R129 Restoration
      • R129 Roof operation fix
    • BN COL 1
      • Epic Restorations

      • Improving

    • BN COL 2
      • SLSHOP TV

      • We are SLSHOP

    • Classic Mercedes-Benz Owner Services
      • Complete Health Check
      • Structural Check
      • Engine Check
      • Brake Check
      • Under Body Check
      • Classic Mercedes Restoration
      • Modern Classics Servicing
      • Pre Season Check
      • SLSHOP MOT
    • SLSHOP Supporting services
      • Detailing
      • Hardtop Storage
      • Vehicle Storage
      • Transportation Support
      • Valuation Certificate
      • Rust protection
      • SLSHOP Service Process
    • CARE
      • SLSHOP Certified Servicing
  • Experience
    • Cotswolds Tour
    • Wales Tour
    • Open Day
    • Donnington Park
    • Rally Experience
  • Parts Store
    • W113 Pagoda Parts
    • R107 Parts
    • Sportline Parts
  • ClubHouse
  • We Are SLSHOP

How to have the Perfect Post Lockdown Road Trip

As Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, we tend to invest a great deal of time waxing lyrical about driving classic cars. Improving your car for your own enjoyment, but like all good things a classic car is better when shared.

 

It might not be the time for taking long country drives, but there are plenty of things that can be done to ensure your first post-lockdown drive is motoring perfection.

 

How can I make touring in my Pagoda more enjoyable for my partner?

 

Our Sales Director, classic Mercedes-Benz connoisseur and Pagoda owner Bruce Greetham and his wife Marie have put together the following Travel Tips. They have been all over Europe in classic Mercedes-Benz SLs, driving the both R107 and W113 models. This guide is specific to the Pagoda, but many of the points apply to all generations of classic SL.

 

Keep the shoes clean

 

When heading away for the weekend with the Pagoda, we don’t exactly travel in mechanics overalls. When travelling in a fine car, it’s best to enjoy the experience in full and that will usually involve a rather fine pair of shoes… a nice pair of shoes is easily ruined in a classic car.

 

Bruce always puts a sheepskin rug on top of the over mats to protect Marie’s shoes; “Believe me this goes a long way in comfort in a Pagoda.”

 

A sheepskin rug is an easy addition to your car and a neat way to improve both comfort and warmth at very little expense. It’s these simple details that mitigate arguments and make the weekend go a lot smoother. Often it’s the small details that make a big difference.

 

Keep the noise down

 

Old cars can be noisy to travel in, especially if your journey is more than a few miles. Both the soft top and hard top can become suffer from wind noise on a Pagoda, especially if not properly adjusted on the passenger side. Take the time to get this sorted and avoid hours of headaches. You’ll also ensure your car is water tight.

 

This service falls under our Hard & Soft Top Check, so why not book your car in with us so it’s ready for the next adventure?

 

Keep it composed

 

Always take a wind deflector if travelling in a soft top. This simple addition makes a huge difference to the levels of buffeting as you cruise along with the top down. Not only will it keep you warmer for longer, but it’ll prevent any turbulence damage to an expensive pre-holiday pamper!

 

Cold day, heaters on, wind deflector up, happy touring.

 

Keep it cool

 

Mercedes-Benz MB Tex can get very got on summer days. A seat cover not only saves your legs, it’ll also prolong the life of your seats.

 

Keep it comfortable, keep it warm and keep it working

 

Make sure your heating and air conditioning are fully functioning, and that the dials, knobs and switchgear are all in good order. Get those heater sliders fixed, it’s an awkward job but is rewarding once it’s complete! Find the parts in our online store here.

 

Another easy one is to fit some retractable inertia reel seat belts, a very easy DIY job and well worth it for driver and passenger comfort and safety.

 

Make sure your heaters and switchgear are fully operational

 

Keep it clean

 

If your seats are black leather, make sure they are perfectly clean before you embark. Disembarking at the hotel in a light coloured dress or suit is not the time to discover the black seats were hiding oily fingerprints!

 

Not the time to discover oily marks on the seats…

 

Keep it together

 

At The SLSHOP we aren’t well known for our relationship advice, but Bruce makes a great point here. 

 

“Put the sat Nav away and get out the map, discuss the journey together and how long it is before the next stop. You maybe enjoying yourself but two hours in it can get boring for your passenger. Show them the road and what to expect along the way.”

 

This is a simple point to overlook, and as drivers and enthusiasts we often get carried away with the roads and the experience. If you both parties are involved with the route, choosing rest stops that work for you as a team (and beauty spots, cafes and coffee shops that are evenly spaced) will help to maximise enjoyment of the driving and the journey.

 

Put the sat nav away for maximum enjoyment of your surroundings

 

Keep the fumes down

 

The rear mounted fuel tank of a Pagoda and it’s associated pipework does have a habit of leeching fuel smells into the boot. If these aren’t vented correctly then you might be sharing an evening meal at the hotel with Eau De Shell Premium. It’s always wise to use suit bags and place clothes flat ontop of the bags. The 107 has a similar problem if the fuel tank is over filled.

 

Replacing fuel lines front and back is not only inexpensive, it’s sensible and could be a life saver, if not a car saver. Bad fuel lines are the number one cause of automotive fires. These are old cars, so we highly recommend replacing your fuel lines. Why risk it? There’s more than just the smell of petrol at stake. Contact our team to get your car booked in.

 

Two beautiful, iconic, desirable classics. And a red car.

 

Keep it charged

 

This point is such a simple one, but it’s one that could lead to the biggest headaches, arguments and annoyance. Does the 12v charging point work in your car? Most devices these days work on a USB plug, so fit an adapter with a double charger so you can run your sat nav and charge a phone at the same time… Or run a wire into the back to power the wine cooler! Perfect when you’ve got the hamper with you.

 

We offer a range of solutions for electronic issues and keeping your battery in top shape,or why not bring the car to us so we can set it up for touring? We can discuss the best accessories for what you and your car needs, and fit modern comforts without compromising the classic looks. Our glovebox mounted 12v charging socket is a best seller.

 

Another really vital point here is make sure your battery doesn’t go flat. We’ve all been there, you’re running late for the hotel and by the time you’ve finally sat down to dinner you’ve forgotten that the headlights are on and the still plugged in wine cooler has drained the battery… Fit a battery isolator or cut off switch. Not only will it stop your car needlessly draining it’s electricity, it’s a simple and effective anti-theft device.

 

  • Hidden from view…
  • Discreet charging point.

 

Keep it audible

 

The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda stereo and speaker set up was, of course, designed and built in the 1960s. Audio technology has come a long way since then. The old pin stripe Becker might look the part, but is it up to the job?

 

We have a range of audio enhancements which can be fitted at home, or we can fit them for you in our workshops. Improving the speakers, adding an AUX input or bluetooth connectivity can make a long classic car journey a breeze. It’s these simple upgrades that don’t cost the earth but hugely increase your enjoyment levels.

 

Failing that, use a portable Bluetooth speaker. Buy a good quality one and you’ll have better sound and better connectivity than the factory standard audio equipment without having to make changes to the car. This can then be removed from the car and taken into the hotel if you wish – simple but very good advice!

 

One modification that’s popular with classic car owner is a hidden amplifier. We’ve seen clever installs where a modern amplifier is hidden out of sight, powering capable modern speakers with just a bluetooth or AUX input the only things on show. Anything is possible, if you can dream it, we can fit it.

 

To improve the audio in your Pagoda (or any other classic Mercedes-Benz) then Contact our team to get your car booked in.

 

The classic pinstripe style of the Becker… Could just be for show.

 

Keep it fair

 

Our final point, and the final bit of relationship advice is to keep it fair. Make sure you’ve got a playlist of music that both of you like, and if you are sharing the driving, make sure the car is set up for both of you to use.

 

When swapping over, are the seats and mirrors adjusted exactly right, does everyone know how all the controls work? Be sure to talk over the controls of the car and establish where things are before you set off.

 

You have been warned!

 

Happy Travelling!

 

Have you got any tips for touring with your partner? We’d love to see your feedback and read your ideas!

 

Email your suggestions, thoughts and photos to [email protected]

 

Bruce with his well-travelled Pagoda

As Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, we tend to invest a great deal of time waxing lyrical about driving classic cars. Improving your car for your own enjoyment, but like all good things a classic car is better when shared.

 

It might not be the time for taking long country drives, but there are plenty of things that can be done to ensure your first post-lockdown drive is motoring perfection.

 

How can I make touring in my Pagoda more enjoyable for my partner?

 

Our Sales Director, classic Mercedes-Benz connoisseur and Pagoda owner Bruce Greetham and his wife Marie have put together the following Travel Tips. They have been all over Europe in classic Mercedes-Benz SLs, driving the both R107 and W113 models. This guide is specific to the Pagoda, but many of the points apply to all generations of classic SL.

 

Keep the shoes clean

 

When heading away for the weekend with the Pagoda, we don’t exactly travel in mechanics overalls. When travelling in a fine car, it’s best to enjoy the experience in full and that will usually involve a rather fine pair of shoes… a nice pair of shoes is easily ruined in a classic car.

 

Bruce always puts a sheepskin rug on top of the over mats to protect Marie’s shoes; “Believe me this goes a long way in comfort in a Pagoda.”

 

A sheepskin rug is an easy addition to your car and a neat way to improve both comfort and warmth at very little expense. It’s these simple details that mitigate arguments and make the weekend go a lot smoother. Often it’s the small details that make a big difference.

 

Keep the noise down

 

Old cars can be noisy to travel in, especially if your journey is more than a few miles. Both the soft top and hard top can become suffer from wind noise on a Pagoda, especially if not properly adjusted on the passenger side. Take the time to get this sorted and avoid hours of headaches. You’ll also ensure your car is water tight.

 

This service falls under our Hard & Soft Top Check, so why not book your car in with us so it’s ready for the next adventure?

 

Keep it composed

 

Always take a wind deflector if travelling in a soft top. This simple addition makes a huge difference to the levels of buffeting as you cruise along with the top down. Not only will it keep you warmer for longer, but it’ll prevent any turbulence damage to an expensive pre-holiday pamper!

 

Cold day, heaters on, wind deflector up, happy touring.

 

Keep it cool

 

Mercedes-Benz MB Tex can get very got on summer days. A seat cover not only saves your legs, it’ll also prolong the life of your seats.

 

Keep it comfortable, keep it warm and keep it working

 

Make sure your heating and air conditioning are fully functioning, and that the dials, knobs and switchgear are all in good order. Get those heater sliders fixed, it’s an awkward job but is rewarding once it’s complete! Find the parts in our online store here.

 

Another easy one is to fit some retractable inertia reel seat belts, a very easy DIY job and well worth it for driver and passenger comfort and safety.

 

Make sure your heaters and switchgear are fully operational

 

Keep it clean

 

If your seats are black leather, make sure they are perfectly clean before you embark. Disembarking at the hotel in a light coloured dress or suit is not the time to discover the black seats were hiding oily fingerprints!

 

Not the time to discover oily marks on the seats…

 

Keep it together

 

At The SLSHOP we aren’t well known for our relationship advice, but Bruce makes a great point here. 

 

“Put the sat Nav away and get out the map, discuss the journey together and how long it is before the next stop. You maybe enjoying yourself but two hours in it can get boring for your passenger. Show them the road and what to expect along the way.”

 

This is a simple point to overlook, and as drivers and enthusiasts we often get carried away with the roads and the experience. If you both parties are involved with the route, choosing rest stops that work for you as a team (and beauty spots, cafes and coffee shops that are evenly spaced) will help to maximise enjoyment of the driving and the journey.

 

Put the sat nav away for maximum enjoyment of your surroundings

 

Keep the fumes down

 

The rear mounted fuel tank of a Pagoda and it’s associated pipework does have a habit of leeching fuel smells into the boot. If these aren’t vented correctly then you might be sharing an evening meal at the hotel with Eau De Shell Premium. It’s always wise to use suit bags and place clothes flat ontop of the bags. The 107 has a similar problem if the fuel tank is over filled.

 

Replacing fuel lines front and back is not only inexpensive, it’s sensible and could be a life saver, if not a car saver. Bad fuel lines are the number one cause of automotive fires. These are old cars, so we highly recommend replacing your fuel lines. Why risk it? There’s more than just the smell of petrol at stake. Contact our team to get your car booked in.

 

Two beautiful, iconic, desirable classics. And a red car.

 

Keep it charged

 

This point is such a simple one, but it’s one that could lead to the biggest headaches, arguments and annoyance. Does the 12v charging point work in your car? Most devices these days work on a USB plug, so fit an adapter with a double charger so you can run your sat nav and charge a phone at the same time… Or run a wire into the back to power the wine cooler! Perfect when you’ve got the hamper with you.

 

We offer a range of solutions for electronic issues and keeping your battery in top shape,or why not bring the car to us so we can set it up for touring? We can discuss the best accessories for what you and your car needs, and fit modern comforts without compromising the classic looks. Our glovebox mounted 12v charging socket is a best seller.

 

Another really vital point here is make sure your battery doesn’t go flat. We’ve all been there, you’re running late for the hotel and by the time you’ve finally sat down to dinner you’ve forgotten that the headlights are on and the still plugged in wine cooler has drained the battery… Fit a battery isolator or cut off switch. Not only will it stop your car needlessly draining it’s electricity, it’s a simple and effective anti-theft device.

 

  • Hidden from view…
  • Discreet charging point.

 

Keep it audible

 

The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda stereo and speaker set up was, of course, designed and built in the 1960s. Audio technology has come a long way since then. The old pin stripe Becker might look the part, but is it up to the job?

 

We have a range of audio enhancements which can be fitted at home, or we can fit them for you in our workshops. Improving the speakers, adding an AUX input or bluetooth connectivity can make a long classic car journey a breeze. It’s these simple upgrades that don’t cost the earth but hugely increase your enjoyment levels.

 

Failing that, use a portable Bluetooth speaker. Buy a good quality one and you’ll have better sound and better connectivity than the factory standard audio equipment without having to make changes to the car. This can then be removed from the car and taken into the hotel if you wish – simple but very good advice!

 

One modification that’s popular with classic car owner is a hidden amplifier. We’ve seen clever installs where a modern amplifier is hidden out of sight, powering capable modern speakers with just a bluetooth or AUX input the only things on show. Anything is possible, if you can dream it, we can fit it.

 

To improve the audio in your Pagoda (or any other classic Mercedes-Benz) then Contact our team to get your car booked in.

 

The classic pinstripe style of the Becker… Could just be for show.

 

Keep it fair

 

Our final point, and the final bit of relationship advice is to keep it fair. Make sure you’ve got a playlist of music that both of you like, and if you are sharing the driving, make sure the car is set up for both of you to use.

 

When swapping over, are the seats and mirrors adjusted exactly right, does everyone know how all the controls work? Be sure to talk over the controls of the car and establish where things are before you set off.

 

You have been warned!

 

Happy Travelling!

 

Have you got any tips for touring with your partner? We’d love to see your feedback and read your ideas!

 

Email your suggestions, thoughts and photos to [email protected]

 

Bruce with his well-travelled Pagoda

More from ClubHouse

  • SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER WITH SLSHOP

    SADDLE UP FOR SUMMER WITH SLSHOP

    April 10th, 2021
  • Superb new cars spring into SLSHOP

    Superb new cars spring into SLSHOP

    April 5th, 2021
  • Which Mercedes-Benz R129 should I buy?

    Which Mercedes-Benz R129 should I buy?

    April 1st, 2021
  • Mercedes-Benz R107 Current Stock Roundup – Which would you choose?

    Mercedes-Benz R107 Current Stock Roundup – Which would you choose?

    March 23rd, 2021
  • 350SL, 380SL and 420SL: The history of the M116 engine and should you buy a Mercedes-Benz 420SL?

    350SL, 380SL and 420SL: The history of the M116 engine and should you buy a Mercedes-Benz 420SL?

    March 19th, 2021
  • Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Window Sticker

    Limited Edition 50th Anniversary Window Sticker

    March 16th, 2021
  • A post 86 Signal Red Full House – 300SL, 420SL, 500SL and 560SL all in stock

    A post 86 Signal Red Full House – 300SL, 420SL, 500SL and 560SL all in stock

    March 12th, 2021
  • Andrew Frankel on the iconic R107 SL

    Andrew Frankel on the iconic R107 SL

    March 10th, 2021
  • SLSHOP restored R107 SL displayed at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands

    SLSHOP restored R107 SL displayed at Mercedes-Benz World Brooklands

    March 5th, 2021
  • How to raise and lower your Mercedes-Benz SL R107 Soft top

    How to raise and lower your Mercedes-Benz SL R107 Soft top

    March 4th, 2021
  • How to safely remove your Mercedes-Benz SL R107 Hard top

    How to safely remove your Mercedes-Benz SL R107 Hard top

    March 4th, 2021
  • How to read a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL VIN plate

    How to read a Mercedes-Benz R107 SL VIN plate

    March 4th, 2021
  • Light it Up: Hard to find Headlamps for the R107 SL

    Light it Up: Hard to find Headlamps for the R107 SL

    March 4th, 2021
  • The ultimate classic Mercedes-Benz SL showroom… 8x Pagodas at SLSHOP 26th Feb 2021

    The ultimate classic Mercedes-Benz SL showroom… 8x Pagodas at SLSHOP 26th Feb 2021

    March 1st, 2021
  • High Times for Low Miles – Surge in demand for the very best

    High Times for Low Miles – Surge in demand for the very best

    February 19th, 2021
  • What has an Austin Montego Vanden Plas got to do with a Mercedes-Benz 500SL…?

    What has an Austin Montego Vanden Plas got to do with a Mercedes-Benz 500SL…?

    February 18th, 2021
  • Silver and Red across two generations of SL

    Silver and Red across two generations of SL

    February 17th, 2021
  • ‘they don’t make em like they used to’ – A tale of three boot locks

    ‘they don’t make em like they used to’ – A tale of three boot locks

    February 16th, 2021
  • The SLSHOP Needs You! – Vehicle Technician Vacancies

    The SLSHOP Needs You! – Vehicle Technician Vacancies

    February 12th, 2021
  • The SLSHOP Needs You! – Service Advisor Vacancy

    The SLSHOP Needs You! – Service Advisor Vacancy

    February 12th, 2021
  • Limited Edition Parts Catalogue

    Limited Edition Parts Catalogue

    February 11th, 2021
  • Three new Mercedes-Benz SLs in the showroom

    Three new Mercedes-Benz SLs in the showroom

    February 5th, 2021
  • SLSHOP takes the lead celebrating 50 Years of the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL

    SLSHOP takes the lead celebrating 50 Years of the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL

    February 4th, 2021
  • See it, Snap it, Share it – How you can get behind the wheel of our 50th Anniversary SL

    See it, Snap it, Share it – How you can get behind the wheel of our 50th Anniversary SL

    February 4th, 2021
  • The R107 SL: Where have all the colours gone?

    The R107 SL: Where have all the colours gone?

    February 2nd, 2021
  • The Market in Brief – A review of 2020 and what to look forward to in 2021

    The Market in Brief – A review of 2020 and what to look forward to in 2021

    February 1st, 2021
  • Exactly the same, completely different… A look at 5x Signal Red 300SLs

    Exactly the same, completely different… A look at 5x Signal Red 300SLs

    February 1st, 2021

CARE membership plans

 Join Our Family

Improve your SL

Increase the value it brings you

For every SL owner we have met, the key aspect in ownership and running these amazing motorcars is ensuring that this prized possession remains a joy to use whenever, wherever and however; protecting and increasing its value over time.

As the World’s largest specialist in classic SL’s we have drawn upon our experience with our customers, with hundreds of cars and thousands of hours behind the wheel and under the ramp to develop CARE; a way of engaging a community of owners and protecting the value of their investments as well as enhancing their cars condition, reliability and desirability.

Discover More

CLASSIC

Would you like to be a little more involved with your car and the marketplace? It’s easy to be a member and join our community. CLASSIC gives you access to an extensive range of benefits without the commitment of a service plan.

COMPLETE

The importance of a correctly maintained classic cannot be understated when it comes to the eventual sale of your asset. COMPLETE membership adds a Service & Maintenance programme specifically designed around your usage.

CONCIERGE

Time poor? You’ll like the idea of CONCIERGE. We will collect and deliver your SL, or provide a premium experience at point of service that includes an overnight stay on us as well as access to our market expertise.

Be the First to Know

We don’t mind whether you are in the market for one of our awesome cars or just interested in seeing whats new and whats going on in the market. Pop your details in here to receive updates on all thats “hot” in the showroom.

Contact

What are you waiting for? Drop us a line and let us know which car you would like to hire and when you would like it. We’ll guide you through everything from there on in.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    More From SLSHOP

    Experience
    Owner Services
    Parts Store
    CARE

    Contact SLSHOP Showroom

    Whatever your Mercedes-Benz, Whatever your needs are, Let the SLSHOP help you. It all starts with getting to know you and your needs. We have designed this contact form to be quick and easy and we never share your data.

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

      Contact

      Location

      T:01789 337 070

      [email protected]

      SLSHOP

      Unit 1a, 2, 3, & 4b Drayton Manor Drive
      Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
      CV37 9RQ

      Hours:
      Mon-Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm
      Saturday by appointment only
      Closed Sunday

       

      Services

      • Showroom
      • Owner Services
      • Experience
      • Parts Store
      • Additional Services

      SLSHOP

      • We Are SLSHOP
      • COVID-19 Information
      • Visit or Contact
      • Terms
        • Part Sales Terms
        • Car Sales Terms
        • CARE TERMS & CONDITIONS
        • UK Event & Experiences TERMS & CONDITIONS
        • Hire Terms
        • Gift Voucher Terms
      • Privacy & Cookie Policy

      Connect

      Join the SLSHOP family. We know you won’t want to miss out.