Mercedes-Benz 280SL 'Pagoda' Automatic

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Widely regarded as one of the prettiest roadsters ever made, the Paul Braqc-designed Pagoda SL is also superbly well built and is one of those rare classics that you can genuinely use every day. 

Launched in 1963 and remaining in production until 1971, the W113 class eventually spanned three engine sizes, all fuel-injected: the initial 150bhp 2.3-litre; the similarly powerful 2.5 in 1966 and the range-topping 170bhp 2.8-litre in 1967, which also had usefully more torque (180lb/ft against the 145lb/ft of the 230).

All were capable of at least 120mph and had front disc brakes, double wishbone and coil spring front suspension with a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. To save weight, doors, boot and bonnet were made of aluminium. A choice of manual or automatic transmission was available, both four-speed.

All looked identical with a low waistline, wide stance, fishbowl headlamps and big curved greenhouse windows topped with that distinctive dished removable hardtop – hence the 'Pagoda' name. The styling perfectly sums up the car, being elegant yet muscular and sporty yet immensely solid, a rare combination of virtues which make it a timeless beauty that is always highly sought after. Not just a pretty face, a 230SL was driven to victory in one of Europe’s toughest rallies, the Spa-Sophia-Liege in 1963.

First registered in November 1968, this 280SL Automatic comes in classic Mercedes silver with a black leather interior and has had just 8 owners in its 46 years to date. The current owner acquired the car from respected classic car dealer Martin Chisholm in 2007 to join a small fleet of other fine classics that he owns and has looked after it meticulously ever since.

Servicing has latterly been carried out by Pagoda specialist Roger Edwards, bills on file showing the two most recent services being at 72,730 miles in February 2011 and at 73,111 miles in February this year since when the car has barely turned a wheel. There is a good history file going right back to 1989 (when the car had some 57,000 miles on the clock) including bills for a reconditioned gearbox and cylinder head overhaul at 60,000 miles, new rear brake callipers, discs and pads at 69,000 miles and an overhaul of the power steering at around the same time.

Appearing to be in very nice condition throughout with a particularly well-detailed engine bay, the car is said to drive beautifully and is taxed until January and MOTd until February 2015 with no advisories recorded. The black soft top is in excellent condition as is the black hard top which has recently been refurbished. Altogether a cherished example with a reassuring history that is ready to jump in and enjoy right away.

Please note the Becker Mexico radio shown in the pictures is not included and will be replaced with another unit prior to the sale.