1968 Mercedes-Benz W113 280SL with Black Leather

1968 280SL Pagoda Blue Grey Metallic (906) with Black Leather & a Black Soft Top (740)

SLSHOP is delighted to present this fully restored Mercedes 280SL Pagoda, which we have recently been commissioned to sell on behalf of a UK-based classic Mercedes-Benz collector. Rarely do these unique, supremely restored examples become available on the market; particularly from the hallowed halls of one of Germany’s most revered restorers.

Overview of this Pagoda

In 1968, this 280SL Pagoda was delivered to one Edmund R Halsey, resident of Wilton, Connecticut, Unites States. The original invoice for the vehicle shows the full specification of the vehicle, which reads as a Light Blue Metallic with Black Leather, Power Steering, Tinted Glass, Automatic transmission, Air Conditioning, Radia AM/FM and White Wall Tires (tubeless). Mr Halsey – a well-to-do-individual – traded in another 1967 Mercedes and the details of which are not revealed in the documentation. A handsome sum of $8793.27 was paid for this Pagoda in 1968, the equivalent of $75,299.41 today.

All the original paperwork present with this vehicle is in immaculate condition, with the signed stamps still appearing clear and absent of any folds or creases where these documents would have been chucked into a cabinet over the years.

If the paperwork for this vehicle excites you (as it does us), wait until you climb behind the wheel of this 280SL Pagoda.

THE BUILD PROCESS:

Alongside the car is a weighty folder containing an array of documents, including a Workshop manual and restoration brochure dated 2014 showing the process from start to finish. Within this, are intricate photos detailing the engine strip down and rebuild, including all the new components that have been refurbished or replaced. The entire paint process is also evident, with strip, preparation and results detailed. The content of this brochure is far too extensive to list here.

280SL PAGODA EXTERIOR

As depicted in the images, the exterior finish has been repainted to a period-correct calibre – with layer upon layer of paint applied by hand. This process was preceded by extensive restoration work to the body, which has received attention in the usual areas – sills, front and rear quarters, and chassis legs. Circling the Pagoda you will notice the clean panel gaps, which have been carefully calculated to exacting standards. The restorers stripped and refurbished all exterior brightwork, retaining what appears to be all the original bumpers and chrome headlamp surrounds.

280SL MERCEDES-BENZ PAGODA INTERIOR

Inside the tranquil interior, you will find new rejuvenated, period correct twill carpets and completely retrimmed seats, finished in the correct Old Timer leather with perforated centre panels. The deck lid, dash topper and door cards have all been retrimmed in the same Black Leather. From the documentation, it appears the dials were either refurbished or restored, as indicated by the low mileage figure displayed on the speedometer. Similarly, the interior chrome extending across the dashboard and the centre gear surround have been restored to give the correct sixties sparkle.

UNDER THE BONNET OF THIS 280SL PAGODA

This Pagoda’s 2.8 litre M130 unit has been fastidiously stripped and reassembled, with every component replaced with direct replacements or the closest aftermarket versions. Features of a correctly restored powerplant include the dull grey finish of the engine rocker cover, which is often mistakenly finished with a high gloss surface. As you can see, some zinc plating has been carried out to finish the engine bay off, with the bulkhead insulation perfectly trimmed.

SUMMARY: 

This Pagoda was restored by the current owner at a cost of over €250,000, with highest the attention to detail and craftsmanship. We stand by our German counterparts and applaud this restoration and we are delighted to be finding this vehicle a new home.

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