Silver Mercedes Pagoda Restoration Project for Sale

Finding and committing to a Mercedes Pagoda restoration for sale online has never been easier. As we become more embedded in the digital age, we are given access to more sales platforms, auction sites and the necessary information to help us perform due diligence. All of this is at the click of a button or a swipe of a screen. Couple this with an impulsive personality and you could find yourself with a Mercedes Pagoda Restoration project on your drive in no time.

Before you let those impulsive traits take over, though, consider why you want to invest in a Mercedes Pagoda Restoration for sale?

Do you see pound signs when looking at the opportunity? Or are you doing it for the love of the vehicle and something to enjoy or keep in the family for generations?

The latter could have been caused by two different realities:

1. Pound signs could be an assumption of big returns at the end

or

2. Pound signs could suggest large expenditure throughout the project

It’s important to understand that no two Mercedes Pagoda Restoration projects are the same, and while some might offer the potential for a significant return in the end, you should judge your opportunity based on facts…

The team at Hagerty has spent time assessing this opportunity for ‘big returns at the end’ researching the difference between the cost to purchase a classic vehicle in ‘Fair Condition’, versus the saleable price once it has reached ‘Concours Condition.’ The team looked at the monetary figure between the different states to rank different vehicles in terms of their viability as restoration opportunities. The extent of research that has gone into this is certainly impressive, and while we all look at some of the most iconic classic cars in awe of their present values, one conclusion about restoration opportunities remains:

‘’Although some models may offer more leeway when it comes to the financial viability of restoring a classic car, the best reason to restore must be to return a car to a level of mechanical and aesthetic quality that delivers an enjoyable and safe driving experience to the owner. Above everything else, if you as the owner think it is worth it, then it probably is.’’

The second element is that there can be costs that you don’t expect. Much like an old house, at every stage, there will be emerging works that couldn’t have been anticipated. In addition, you have to consider the parts used. We’ve broken down where the differences in cost could lie. Ultimately, it comes down to how much you are willing to invest and how much you favour Genuine Mercedes parts versus Reproduction items…

EXAMPLE 1. MERCEDES W113 REAR CHROME BUMPERETTES

Replacing or restoring your Pagoda’s chrome during a restoration could be the final piece of refinement to make your Pagoda stand out. SLSHOP offers an array of options, including either Reproduction or Refurbished chrome. There are key differences.

Reproduction Chrome Bumperettes: Our high-quality reproduction items are made from stainless steel and produced to fit the W113 as best as possible. RRP. £284.92

Refurbished Chrome Bumperettes: These are your original pieces of chrome, refurbished by us. Generally, they are metal and a better fit for your vehicle, with the rust-proof coating on the inside added. RRP. £367.46

EXAMPLE 2. MERCEDES W113 BOOT SEALS

A common issue with Pagoda’s is failing boot seals, causing water ingress in the boot plan and corrosion to the spare wheel well and boot floor pan. We provide an array of seal replacements of different grades. Below are two different variations.

Original, Genuine Mercedes W113 Boot Lid Seal: This item is completely original and from the sixties making it entirely unique. As one of six in our stock and due to its rarity, it retails at RRP. £240.00

Reproduction Premium Boot Lid Seal: Made by the same company that made the original Mercedes-Benz seals, these are impossible to distinguish from their original counterparts. This premium reproduction version is the primary choice for restorers and owners. RRP. £91.02

Reproduction Boot Lid Seal: The more cost-effective option manufactured with basic materials and techniques. RRP £52.67

These might seem like nominal differences (except the original genuine seal), but every penny counts when restoring a classic Mercedes-Benz. The different levels of quality enable you to stick to a budget and restore your car to your desired level.

So, if you’re doing it for love, we have just the Mercedes Pagoda Restoration Project for you:

Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda (W113) in Silver with Black Leather #2345

Built in the tail end of the Pagoda’s production era, the 280 SL presented here can be forgiven for being in need of some love, given it wears a legitimate low mileage of just over 32,000. This is a Mercedes Pagoda Restoration for sale in fair condition, requiring investment from someone with the vision to bring it back to better than new.

It wears the same colourway from the factory back in 1970. The Silver exterior is in lovely order but given the need for some fabrication work, the bodywork will need repainting. This Pagoda is likely to need some new panels, but from inspection, there is the possibility that many of the original stamped panels can remain. This is a key element of restoration, as prospective buyers look for these numbers to confirm the true identity of a classic vehicle.

As you can see from the imagery, the engine bay is in a fair state, evidenced by the lack of dirt and the intact heat insulation covering the bulkhead. A Mercedes Pagoda restoration project doesn’t often look as clean as this. Take a look at this comparison project to understand what a good starting point this Pagoda is.

Inside, the original leather hide is intact with no rips or stains, a testament to the storage and care of this vehicle over the years. Similarly, the carpet is in good order but may need to be taken up to assess the floor pans properly. The dashboard chrome and wood veneer is stupendous but could be eligible for replacement depending on the new owner’s tastes. The original Becker unit is operational, as is the original clock.

All in all, this is what Hagerty probably considers a ‘Fair’ condition. And we would agree with their conclusion, that anyone considering a Mercedes Pagoda restoration for sale, should do it for the love and not primarily for the potential financial reward.