Mercedes W113 Restoration
A W113 Restoration by SLSHOP
The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda (W113) is for many people the embodiment of automotive beauty; offering the very best in automotive design with a level of practicality and usability rarely found in such an elegant motorcar. With the six-cylinder engine, comfortable driving position, ample power and enviable luggage space, this is a car that can be used and enjoyed on a daily basis.
A Pagoda is still today perfectly comfortable in modern traffic, whilst being at home in the Shires, the Riviera and every motorway and AutoRoute in-between. The versatility and outright beauty of the Pagoda as a classic car has driven demand, and with increased demand comes the quest for Pagoda perfection. Why own just any Pagoda when the very best is attainable?
In construction and complexity, a Pagoda SL has not unlike a Swiss Watch. A Pagoda, W113 Restoration must be approached with diligence, care and precision, along with constant attention and absolute focus. Each piece must go back together in a particular way, with accuracy and exactitude. Every part of the puzzle contributes to the fit and function of the next – a truly excellent Pagoda must possess more than skin-deep beauty.
It takes knowledge, passion and true craftsmanship to extract the best W113 Restoration, and SLSHOP have been leading the way with classic Mercedes-Benz perfection for more than a decade. A restoration is a collaborative journey between you and SLSHOP.
Each customer approaches us with a different vision for how they want the car to look or how they wish it to be used – we help to make these dreams a reality. Together we map your restoration, offering clear goals and milestones, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. From choosing the colour, browsing material swatches and discussing the depth and pile of carpet, every decision is driven by your desire under the careful guidance of our marque experts.
The end result will be automotive nirvana, a combination of new materials, old sensations and traditional values – the very finest from a glorious era of motoring, built with a modern understanding and interpretation of the past. Make your Pagoda factory Restoration a showpiece, a delicately crafted icon to be adored by all but enjoyed exclusively by… you.
Owners Story
This 280SL W113 arrived at SLSHOP with the instruction to ‘make this the best W113 Restoration ever’. Perfection is a process, a start to finish attitude that must be applied to every nut and bolt, regardless of condition.
Over a period of months we transformed this car, inside and out; returned to better than its former glory. Each restoration is a personal journey, following a vision to completion. In this case, the client opted not to be limited by the original specification of the car. We finished the paintwork in factory correct Mercedes-Benz Medium Blue (396), combined with the customer’s choice for interior and aesthetic perfection – Mercedes-Benz Cream Leather (209), Blue Soft Top (744) and Blue Twin Loop Carpet (5003). The end result is truly stunning, a ‘best in class’ car that has adorned the pages of numerous magazines.
Before this W113 Restoration
The Mercedes-Benz ‘Pagoda’ SL
After the sales success of the 190SL Mercedes-Benz knew that the market for an every day roadster was buoyant. The brand needed a superbly designed, well-equipped car that offered top down thrills and fixed head coupe refinement in the same package. The Mercedes-Benz W113 SL ‘Pagoda’ was an instant hit.
Between 1963 and 1971 the beautiful Paul Bracq design grew from 2.3, to 2.5 and finally 2.8 litre displacement with the 230SL, 250SL and 280SL. A well cared for Pagoda is a fine piece of automotive artwork that can be used, enjoyed and adored. When a correctly restored W113 Pagoda offers driving experience a cut above competitors of the same era. From the light touch of the thin steering wheel to the distinctive note from the tail pipes, the W113 Pagoda exudes a charm, a joy to drive with the roof up or down.
Car Shown:
- Model: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Auto
- Exterior: Medium Blue (396)
- Roof: Blue Soft Top (744)
- Interior: Cream Leather (209)
- Carpet: Blue Twin Loop Carpet (5003)
After SLSHOP W113 Restoration
SLSHOP Perfection
The root of SLSHOP Perfection: The famous, award winning Nautic Blue R107 captured hearts and minds afar. D44BPJ is just one of many industry recognised restorations SLSHOP has worked on.
The restoration of D44BPJ was the most comprehensive we had ever performed until that point. Not only was this Bruce’s personal car, but this was to be our show car, our flagship, our storefront that we would lay out to at prestigious classic car shows. It had to be good, no, better than good, it had to be exceptional, it had to be… perfect.
D44BPJ did more for The SL Shop than fly a flag. It proved to the world, to our customers, to our staff, to our critics, that we had the knowledge, the resources and the team to undertake world-leading restorations, to build the very best cars that money can buy. That car went on to win numerous awards and feature in many different glossy magazines.
Bruce’s 500SL was just the beginning. Since this build, our workshops have been constantly busy with commissioned work of a similar quality, covering a wide variety of models – not just the R107. Our customers know that we can produce the results, they know that when the brief is to ‘build the very best car that you possibly can’… We will.
When it comes to a restoration of this calibre, only the best is good enough, because only perfection will do.
Parts
A desirable and appreciating classic such as the W113 SL Pagoda has to be kept at its best in order to protect your investment. Of course, that’s a task easier said than done. Especially if you don’t have access to a reliable source of replacement parts. Luckily, SLSHOP boasts an unrivalled range of both mechanical and cosmetic components, allowing you to keep your German star shining. Here’s a selection of our most popular items:
Sun visors
Tired or cracked sun visors detract from the experience of driving your classic Pagoda. At SLSHOP, we proudly offer a comprehensive range of sun visors for both pre and post 1967 W113 models, in Left and Right hand drive variants.
Gauge
It’s not just all about the glitz and glamour. Ultimately, your SL Pagoda also needs to walk the walk. Keep a watchful eye over proceedings with our catalogue of replacement instruments and gauges or refurbishment options.
Headlamp
Be it through damage or decay, it’s little surprise that W113 SL Headlamp units are widely sought after and in short supply. Our European spec replacement lamps are available for all traffic styles and boast the more desirable glass lenses
Maintenance booklet
As cars get older, it’s likely that the service book will become full or get misplaced. Luckily, SLSHOP’s replacement boasts all the same content as your factory original, allowing you to keep your service history in check.
Alloy Wheel
Unfortunately, even the best-looking Pagodas can be let down by tired or kerb damage wheels. These modern reproductions have been manufactured to exacting standards. As such, they’ll finish off the look you’re striving for.
Wind deflectors
The sturdy yet lightweight metal frame upholstered with a fine mesh webbing provides perfect protection from wind. At the same time, it retains adequate visibility in your rear view mirror. Fold it flat in place or fit it neatly in the boot to regain use of the rear jump seat.
SL Shop Branded Filters
It’s easy to overlook quality when it comes to basic service items such as air and oil filters. But not at SLSHOP. We designed our exclusive range of own-brand filters to exceed the specification of their German counterparts.
Bumper chromes
Curvaceous, shiny and beautiful… Ageing, vulnerable and often polished to death! As time ticks by, it’s commonplace for Pagoda bumpers to fade or incur damage. Thankfully, help is at hand with SLSHOP’s range of W113 replacement bumper chromes.
Other Restorations
Mercedes 300 SL
Mercedes 300 SL
Mercedes 250 SL
Fabrication Tour
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Workshop Life
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SLSHOP Additional Services
We offer a range of additional services: Car Storage, Hardtop Storage, Rust Protection, Detailing, MOT and Transport.
