So, you’ve just acquired a Mercedes 280SL Pagoda? This is a momentous occasion – one that should be celebrated; and especially not over-shadowed by unanswered questions or nervousness about using your W113 Pagoda. Classic cars, by nature, present an array of challenges, but nothing that can’t be overcome with the right support from the right Pagoda specialist.
As a new owner, there are several things that need to be established before you head out to Bicester Heritage or down to the South of France. How well do you know the vehicle? Does it run efficiently? Have you spotted any corrosion? Do the brakes work? Is it struggling to start from cold or hot? There’s a lot to consider here, but all of this can be summarised with the help of SLSHOP’s craftsmen.
The quickest route to understanding the condition and usability of your new asset, is to have one of our Pagoda perfectionists inspect, document and report on your vehicle. A little bit like going to the doctor, a New Owner Health Check involves SLSHOP’s Heritage craftsmen inspecting 300 different elements of your Mercedes-Benz Pagoda. This inspection covers everything from suspension bushes, right through to performance on the road. Each element is documented by our team with photographic evidence and a written commentary.
Once completed, you’ll be furnished with a comprehensive outline of the condition of your Pagoda, helping you understand if there is anything that needs to be tended to prior to your excursions. Based on the results of the report, we’ll work with you to get the car up to your standards, so you can get out on the road for your first 12 months of enjoyment.
Anything that is non-urgent will appear as advisory with a recommendation to tend to later down the line.
MORE THAN JUST A CHECK:
In addition to our comprehensive check, we’ll also carry out an ‘A Service’ as detailed below:
Our A Service includes an oil & filter change, followed by a classic Mercedes MOT. Despite being exempt, we believe the MOT is just another added layer of peace of mind when driving a 50+ year old vehicle.
PAGODA SETUP:
Over the years, we’ve encountered all manner of Pagodas and we often find that their owners have been let down by poor engine setup. As Pagoda perfectionists, we’ve established exactly how to get a Pagoda running properly for on the button starts in all temperatures. This process focuses on emissions, the injection and fuelling systems. Once complete, you’ll have a Pagoda that performs precisely as it was intended to do.
CERTIFIED VALUATION:
Before you set off for your first year of fun behind the wheel, we’ll carry out a valuation based on our interactions with your Pagoda. This will give you an industry recognised certificate confirming the value of your asset – you’ll be able to present this to Insurers to get the cover your car deserves.
PERSEVERE TO THE NEXT PAGODA LEVEL:
New owners that are keen to improve their Pagoda and invest in sympathetic upgrades can choose from an array of options we can carry out in-house.
POTENTIAL UPGRADES:
Many owners opt for a modern Mercedes ignition to improve reliability and performance. This is a simple upgrade that will improve key turn starts in all temperatures.
MANUAL GEARBOX CONVERSION
For those with automatic variants or older manual gearbox setups, we can fit a five or six speed modern alternative. This enables you to cruise at lower revs, improving the overall driving experience.
HALOGEN HEADLAMPS
Simon Wood fitting new headlamps to a W113 280SL
For better visibility when driving, upgrade to more powerful halogen headlamps. This will give you more confidence when cruising for long periods, allowing you to further compete with modern traffic.
BECKER PERIOD BLUETOOTH RADIO AND FOOTWELL SPEAKERS
You have the option to upgrade your original Becker Radio and adding Bluetooth functionality. Pair this with additional speakers in the footwell for the full California Dreamin’ soundtrack.
RETRACTABLE SEATBELTS
It can be frustrating having your seatbelts flopped over your seats – there is also risk that you’ll catch the metal on the inner door section. Upgrade to retractable seatbelts to avoid this.
EXTENSIVE OPTIONS
So, as a new Pagoda owner, you should now have some idea of how to approach your initial phase of ownership. The above is just a snapshot of how SLSHOP can support you and give you the easiest journey possible. For more information, speak to Oliver by clicking his contact details below.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
So, you’ve just acquired a Mercedes 280SL Pagoda? This is a momentous occasion – one that should be celebrated; and especially not over-shadowed by unanswered questions or nervousness about using your W113 Pagoda. Classic cars, by nature, present an array of challenges, but nothing that can’t be overcome with the right support from the right Pagoda specialist.
As a new owner, there are several things that need to be established before you head out to Bicester Heritage or down to the South of France. How well do you know the vehicle? Does it run efficiently? Have you spotted any corrosion? Do the brakes work? Is it struggling to start from cold or hot? There’s a lot to consider here, but all of this can be summarised with the help of SLSHOP’s craftsmen.
The quickest route to understanding the condition and usability of your new asset, is to have one of our Pagoda perfectionists inspect, document and report on your vehicle. A little bit like going to the doctor, a New Owner Health Check involves SLSHOP’s Heritage craftsmen inspecting 300 different elements of your Mercedes-Benz Pagoda. This inspection covers everything from suspension bushes, right through to performance on the road. Each element is documented by our team with photographic evidence and a written commentary.
Once completed, you’ll be furnished with a comprehensive outline of the condition of your Pagoda, helping you understand if there is anything that needs to be tended to prior to your excursions. Based on the results of the report, we’ll work with you to get the car up to your standards, so you can get out on the road for your first 12 months of enjoyment.
Anything that is non-urgent will appear as advisory with a recommendation to tend to later down the line.
MORE THAN JUST A CHECK:
In addition to our comprehensive check, we’ll also carry out an ‘A Service’ as detailed below:
Our A Service includes an oil & filter change, followed by a classic Mercedes MOT. Despite being exempt, we believe the MOT is just another added layer of peace of mind when driving a 50+ year old vehicle.
PAGODA SETUP:
Over the years, we’ve encountered all manner of Pagodas and we often find that their owners have been let down by poor engine setup. As Pagoda perfectionists, we’ve established exactly how to get a Pagoda running properly for on the button starts in all temperatures. This process focuses on emissions, the injection and fuelling systems. Once complete, you’ll have a Pagoda that performs precisely as it was intended to do.
CERTIFIED VALUATION:
Before you set off for your first year of fun behind the wheel, we’ll carry out a valuation based on our interactions with your Pagoda. This will give you an industry recognised certificate confirming the value of your asset – you’ll be able to present this to Insurers to get the cover your car deserves.
PERSEVERE TO THE NEXT PAGODA LEVEL:
New owners that are keen to improve their Pagoda and invest in sympathetic upgrades can choose from an array of options we can carry out in-house.
POTENTIAL UPGRADES:
Many owners opt for a modern Mercedes ignition to improve reliability and performance. This is a simple upgrade that will improve key turn starts in all temperatures.
MANUAL GEARBOX CONVERSION
For those with automatic variants or older manual gearbox setups, we can fit a five or six speed modern alternative. This enables you to cruise at lower revs, improving the overall driving experience.
HALOGEN HEADLAMPS
Simon Wood fitting new headlamps to a W113 280SL
For better visibility when driving, upgrade to more powerful halogen headlamps. This will give you more confidence when cruising for long periods, allowing you to further compete with modern traffic.
BECKER PERIOD BLUETOOTH RADIO AND FOOTWELL SPEAKERS
You have the option to upgrade your original Becker Radio and adding Bluetooth functionality. Pair this with additional speakers in the footwell for the full California Dreamin’ soundtrack.
RETRACTABLE SEATBELTS
It can be frustrating having your seatbelts flopped over your seats – there is also risk that you’ll catch the metal on the inner door section. Upgrade to retractable seatbelts to avoid this.
EXTENSIVE OPTIONS
So, as a new Pagoda owner, you should now have some idea of how to approach your initial phase of ownership. The above is just a snapshot of how SLSHOP can support you and give you the easiest journey possible. For more information, speak to Oliver by clicking his contact details below.
Share With Your Fellow Enthusiasts
CARE
THE ULTIMATE CERTIFIED SERVICING INVESTMENT PLAN
Your ownership journey matters to us, which is why we have created a simple certified servicing investment plan, tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.
Start investing today and our dedicated CARE team will work with you to increase the value and enjoyment you receive from your vehicle.
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