1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Automatic Pagoda (W113) #2264 Silver with Blue Leather

1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Automatic Pagoda

Silver with Navy Blue Leather and Blue Fabric Soft top

109,000 miles

When it comes to the beautiful Paul Bracq designed Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, it is the Right Hand Drive, European 280SL Automatic that is the most coveted model.

Built in 1968, this restored 280SL is every inch the Pagoda that Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts flock to.

Little is known about the early life of this UK ordered 280SL, but the lack of early documentation is more than countered by the impressive paper trail that begins in 1983. On the 15th March of that year a Mr K Evans purchased the car, a diligent owner who would care for and cherish it until 2001, a period of 19 years.

In 2001 ownership passed to the fourth keeper, Mr F, with whom the car would stay until present, or roughly two decades. For the past 40 years this car has been cared for by just two owners.

Upon acquiring the car in 2001, Mr F enjoyed the car for three years before seeking out a specialist who could transform the 280SL into his perfect classic Mercedes-Benz. Between 2005 and 2007 the car was stripped to bare component parts, with the shell undergoing repairs to the areas that time had attacked. New panels, new parts and labour produced a not insignificant bill, all of which is detailed within the file, along with a photo record of the restoration.

The work completed on this car was extensive, and one should not underestimate the amount of time, expertise and finance that a job like this would consume in 2021. Finished to a very high standard, the way the car presents some 15 years later is testament to the work that was done.

Not only was it fully restored inside and out, but the engine was rebuilt at the same time.

Mr F went on to enjoy this car immensely, demonstrated by the impressive amount of classic car show entry stubs and flyers that are present in the paperwork. It’s always a pleasure to see evidence of these cars being used and appreciated – This Pagoda has attended many local and national shows, even scooping the coveted ‘Best Pagoda’ trophy at SL Sunday 2017. This is no mean feat for a Pagoda.

The car has arrived to us in excellent order, with a small amount of work undertaken to ensure it reaches the SLSHOP standard. This included the refurbishment of the torque convertor, a refresh of the braking system and of course a full service.

Following these works the car drives and handles exactly as it should, and represents a chance for a new keeper to continue the care an attention and enjoyment that this car us accustomed to.

Being an older restoration, this is an opportunity to take advantage of the hard work and dedication that has already been invested in this car. It is a very high calibre Pagoda that has not been ‘over restored’, with the work done correctly to preserve the originality using the right materials. From the panel gaps around the body to the twin-loop carpets inside, and the way the headlamp chrome flitches meet the delicate cut of the front wing it is a very carefully maintained car, built and finished in the same way a Pagoda would have left the factory in 1968. The high quality continues inside, with the cabin feeling like new.

Present with the car is an impressive array of paperwork and documentation, all of which we have stored digitally for access by request. The original service book is present, detailing stamps as shown below. Along with the service book is the correct tan leather wallet containing the relevant manuals and all the correct keys. There is also an aftermarket remote central locking system which appears to be of very good quality.

What we have here is a 280SL Automatic that can be used and enjoyed, ready to be driven but capable of impressing judges on the lawns of any classic car show.

A delightful car in every way, a chance to make the most of the hard work and expense that has been undertaken by previous owners.

Coming from Mercedes-Benz collector and enthusiast, we hope this car will continue to appear and be appreciated at classic car shows nationwide.

Service Stamps in Book (not including services that show as document only):

Awards:

Best Pagoda, SL Sunday 2017

Classic Car Shows Attended (evidenced by documentation within the file):