A Strong Start to February – Cars Sold

There’s a distinct change in the air. The scent of spring sprinting around, teasing us all. We’re sure you’ve been sniffing it out too…that whiff of change and the associated annual invitation to open the garage, pull the cover off and prepare your car for the driving season. It’s almost here.

There’s something else in the air though: International excitement for the W113 Pagoda SL. On the eve of the 230SL’s launch almost 60 years ago to the month (14th March), we’re seeing our inboxes fill up by the day; with our website showroom views are up by 121% compared to this time in 2021. A significant increase across all models of SL, but most importantly, a spotlight on the W113 Pagoda.

SILVER GREY 280SL PAGODA GOING DOWN UNDER

Bruce is delighted to report the relocation of this restored, matching-number 280SL Pagoda, which has been the focus of a detailed video outlining the characteristics that constitute a well restored Pagoda. The 280SL Pagoda finished in Silver Grey (180) with Black MB Tex (131) was subject to a comprehensive restoration; with the added benefit of most of the original panels being retained.

This 280SL will be relocating to the other side of the world, heading down under where many of our fellow enthusiasts reside. We’ll be sad to lose this right-hand drive example, but we hope the Aussies will enjoy seeing this stunning vehicle on the road.

If you’d like to see exactly what makes this W113 Pagoda special, watch Bruce talk you through some of its unique credentials.

R107 SL VALUES REMAIN FIRM – 500SL HEADING TO THE SOUTH OF FRANCE

As we’ve previously reported, finding high calibre 500SLs is becoming much more difficult, particularly ones that have been properly looked after. The example you see here is exactly that, an R107 500SL that has overdosed on maintenance. Despite not being driven regularly, the vehicle has been loved like a member of the family, fed the right fluids at the right intervals, and always cared for by a specialist.

Beyond this, this 500SL features a comprehensive selection of options, including everything from Heated Seats to a factory Anti-Theft system – expensive options when new. The Pearl Grey 122O) and Medium Red Leather interior will certainly be at home on the French riviera.

The next two we’ve chosen to highlight for their less obvious colour combinations. We’re all familiar with Signal Red and Nautic Blue, but the following are simply refreshing and given the topic of this article – the fresh scent of Spring – it made sense to showcase them.

PINING FOR PINE GREEN – 420SL

Despite being the rarer of the R107 SL variants, we’ve enjoyed an unusually larger number of 420SLs as of late, with our Showroom hosting more of this variant than the 500SL. What more, is that this example sports a combination of Pine Green (862) with Mushroom Leather (275), a refreshing combination that stands out from in the world of classic SLs, particularly as the soft top and hard top have been matched to the exterior paint.

The destination for this 420SL is the UK, allowing us to continue to offer support to the new owner.

CLASSY & COOL – 380SL

The R107 was available in over 100 colourways, which would have made most of us indecisive back in the day. Even more so today given that we are only offered five or six colour options with modern cars… This example is goes all out on the ‘seventies swagger’, showering us in ivory hues on the outside, and beige on the inside. This is an unusual colour palette when set against the sea of reds and blues we tend to see the R107 finished in.

With extensive history of restoration work, an abundance of options including air conditioning, cruise control and rear seats, this is a more than capable cruiser that will be enjoyed by its current owner on long trips.

PICKING UP PACE

At the time of writing, we are only 2 weeks into February, with almost 20 vehicles sold via our Showroom since the start of 2023. A significant pace for the earliest months of the year, particularly given the wider climate of war, fluctuating high inflation rates and the onset of electric vehicles. Despite this, one attitude seems to remain uninfluenced – the desire to drive classic. Every year we see more people realising that life is more about making memories, and often these moments involve classic cars… In the words of SLSHOP’s Founder, ”leave the SUV at home and put miles on it.”

For further information on the vehicles we have recently waved goodbye to, head to our sold page. If you’re keen to see what vehicles are on their way, head to our coming soon page or speak to Bruce.