Mercedes 280 SL Pagode

About this Collectable

Mercedes 280SL Pagoda

A Mercedes such as they are sadly no longer made. The number combination ‘280’ refers to this Mercedes' motorisation, in this case the 170 hp producing 2.8L inline six-cylinder with petrol injection. The abbreviation ‘SL’ (Sport Leicht) stood for Mercedes' sporty models. Initially applied to the 1952 300SL Gullwing, which could be optionally fitted with an aluminium bodywork, saving a whopping 158kg in weight. The now unaffordable 300 SL models were succeeded by the 190SL, a fun four-cylinder and only available as a convertible. After the, quite slow, 190SL, the 230SL (W113) was introduced, popularly called ‘Pagoda’. This is a reference to the shape of the roof, which has similarities to the curved Chinese Pagoda roofs. The Pagoda, like the 190SL, is not meant to be an outright sports car like the original 300SL with which it shares its name. The Pagoda ensures that the owner could cover many comfortable miles without any problems, with hardtop or softtop as desired. The engine, especially the 2.8 in-line six-cylinder, is much more powerful than in the 190 and makes for comfortable, fast mileage, even by today's standards. Like the other W113 models, the 280 used a self-supporting chassis, with front suspension by coil springs and wishbones, while the rear featured a swing axle with single pivot and transverse springs fitted to compensate for camber. The car was fitted with disc brakes all round, which was also not common for cars of this era. 

The Pagoda we offer here is, with its 2.8-litre engine, the most powerful version you could order in the Pagoda at the time. Most came with a comfortable automatic gearbox, but as a driver's car, a manual gearbox as with this car is still the nicest. An additional advantage is that the full power remains available and does not ‘disappear’ into the torque converter. This 280SL was delivered new in Switzerland on 31 May 1968 and was brought to the Netherlands in 2001 by its current owner, who has looked after it well for the past 24 years. By then, the SL had already undergone an extensive restoration in Switzerland and, apart from a few spots, still looks tidy. Paintwork, technology, interior and hood are still in good condition. Although you obviously buy this Pagoda to be able to drive open, it is extra nice that it comes with a hardtop.

Our opinion

In Stuttgart, they were ahead of their time. Even today, an SL is still a very good driving car. A quality product from ‘das Haus’ , made for many miles and a long service life. The 190SL has now become an acclaimed very expensive classic, while a 280SL like this really offers much more driving pleasure.

About the seller

The seller imported the Pagode from Switzerland in 2001, took it on beautiful rides all those years and looked after it well. Due to circumstances, he is moving to Amsterdam where he unfortunately has no room for the SL. Therefore, we are now looking for a new lover for this beautiful piece of Mercedes history. 

Equipment

Tunis Beige metallic 
Manual gearbox
Hardtop
Radio Becker GrandPrix 
Power steering

Recent maintenance history 

This Pagode was brought to the Netherlands in 2001 and ended up with its current owner. He took good care of the car but did not build up a maintenance history. At his garage, the car has been continuously checked and serviced.

Modifications

- 1-seater rear bench seat (easy to remove)

Remarks

As far as we know, the car was once tackled in Switzerland at least 25 years ago, only there is no documentation of this. For an older restoration, the car still looks fine. The paint has a spot here and there as can be seen in the photos. The car starts, brakes, steers and drives but we do recommend maintenance before commissioning. The seats were reupholstered a few years ago.

Included in sale

- Hardtop
- 2 keys
- Car map (see photos)

Summary

Seller - Hank
Seller type - Private
Location - Gelderland
Chassis number - 11304410002922
Registration number - AH-79-87
First registration - 31-05-1968
First registration NL - 11-06-2001
Mileage - 74.908km (read)
Demonstrable - No
Warranty - No
VAT/Margin car - Margin
Bodywork - Convertible
Engine - 2.8L six cylinder with 170hp
Drive - Rear-wheel driven
Gearbox - 4-speed manual transmission
Exterior - Tunis beige metallic
Interior - Black leather
Upholstery - Leather
Smoking car - No
Owners - 1 in NL, previously unknown
In possession since - 11-06-2001
Tyres - Maxis MA-1, 195-75-14, DOT unknown, >5mm

The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on the information provided by and validated by the seller. Based on the information provided, The Collectables performs a (pre)selection and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders should ascertain for themselves the accuracy of the description and can, if they wish, conduct (or have conducted) personal research. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, examination or valuation in advance by buyers, in consultation with the seller, of course. Consult our General Terms and Conditions for more details.

Do you also want to sell your Collectable to a new lover without any worries? Please contact us.