1969 MERCEDES-BENZ W113 280SL Pagoda Auto

Bruce Greetham at Classic Benz is delighted to share this outstanding 1969 W113 280SL with the Pagoda community. It is for sale on behalf of the totally-committed owner, who has undertaken a nine-year restoration programme, to an extra-ordinarily high standard.

The owner, from Lancashire, found the vehicle locally and began its restoration by deciding on a change of colour from Moss Green (834) to Grey/Blue Metallic (906) which, in my view, just makes the car stunning.

The engine, body, bonnet-edge and deck-lid numbers all match: the quality and level of this restoration is just outstanding in every way – and in every part of the car: from engine to body to underside.

The restoration was commenced in 2013, with the stripping and assessing of all parts for replacement or refurbishment.

So that he could ensure that everything was done to his own high standards, the owner decided to give the body to Auto Body in Wigan, a local body-shop well experienced in high-quality restoration projects. The result is millimetre-perfect in the gaps to every panel, including the notches to the front section of the wings around the headlight chromes, and shaped to perfection.

Panels were replaced only where Mercedes Genuine Parts were available.

The chrome-work was carried out by Derby Plating so every part of the restoration was kept local. The chrome has so much depth around every piece, including the dash chrome and door furniture.

The engine and mechanical refurbishments were carried out by a leading specialist: anything not fit for purpose was replaced. The lack of wear in the original engine and gearbox evidenced the limited mileage of 35,000 miles travelled by the original vehicle.

The engine was then taken to Roger Edwards for bench testing in run-in miles prior to installation.

The interior was re-trimmed to a very high standard by Heritage Trimmers with the correct Mercedes pleats, piping, and shape.

During the build, the owner decided to fit the pads for heated seats and installed the switches discreetly in the ashtray – a very nice option to have, with the discerning touring driver in mind.
The soft top still has its protective trim to avoid any scratches to the plastic rear window – a good sign of the care and attention applied to keep this unique Pagoda in perfect condition.

This SL has only been driven 13 miles since restoration, so the new owner will effectively be driving away in a new Pagoda.
On the road, an upgrade to electronic Ignition removes the points and condenser to give better reliability on modern roads.

I have had the pleasure of inspecting this Pagoda myself, with a test drive around the local roads to feel the tightness of the controls and mechanicals. It idles perfectly, with seamless gearchange, while maintaining perfect temperature and giving total confidence.

The original tool-kit was cleaned but still shows some rust stains on the tool roll. But the tools are all refurbished – which shows the level of detail the owner went to, to retain some originality.
The jack, wheel chock and spare wheel are all correct and restored.

A history file has documented the restoration, with all bills showing the work undertaken, and with an enormous file of thousands of pictures recording almost daily progress. There is little history prior to that but the owner knows the car so the story can be told.

WHY BUY?
During my time in the classic Mercedes-Benz business I have driven, inspected, appraised, restored, owned and help sell many Pagoda SLs.
But even I get excited about this one, it is so good.

This is a very handsome car – one you have to view like a piece of jewellery or a work of art.
If you want to own a Pagoda that was re-built with pure passion and dedication, with a determination to get it absolutely right as Mercedes-Benz intended, this has to be one of the very best.

The price is competitive for this totally exceptional Pagoda – a classic Mercedes that is certainly worth investing in.

Call Bruce today to discuss further and arrange a viewing:
Tel: 07359 660954

‍