Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Automatic

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A timeless beauty universally recognised as a ‘blue chip’ classic that will never go out of fashion, 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.

Conceived as a replacement for both the glamorous (if underpowered) 190SL and the hugely complex and expensive 300SL Roadster, the W113 was launched in 1963 and remained in production until 1971. Beginning life with a 150bhp fuel-injected 2.3-litre straight-six, it was soon joined by a similarly powerful 2.5 in 1966 and by 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 has ensured that it remains as sought after today as it ever was. Not just a pretty face, a 230SL was driven to victory in one of Europe’s toughest rallies, the Spa-Sophia-Liege in 1963.

Pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the 280SL Automatic with power steering, as here. First registered in Dudley in August 1969, it has been in one local family ownership since 1984 and comes with a large history file going right back to the 1970s.

Presented in the best colour scheme of black with a red interior, it has always been properly looked after, being kept garaged and used sparingly in fine weather only these last three decades. This means it has never succumbed to the ravages of the dreaded tin worm which have long since devoured most other UK market cars.

Among the many documents which accompany the car are bills for a full engine rebuild by Carols Mercedes-Benz of Wolverhampton at 87,240 miles in 1978. To mark the occasion a new speedometer was fitted which today reads 30,750, giving a total accumulated mileage of 117,990 which is warranted correct. In 2010 – 2011 the car was treated to a major overhaul which also included a second engine rebuild with new piston rings, main bearings, big end bearings etc., since when it has only covered around 3,000 miles.

Other items replaced at around the same time included: a new windscreen and frame; new hard top seals; new soft top; all new hoses; new carpets, headlining and door cards; new radiator core; power steering overhaul; new stainless steel exhaust; new brake servo;five new tyres and a new battery. A secret battery cut-off switch has also been concealed in the glove box as an anti-theft measure.

In remarkably sound condition structurally, it has a beautifully patinated interior and is in fine mechanical order with an MOT until October 2015 with no advisories recorded. No primped up show queen, 700 EFD is a really honest, sound and straight example of this timelessly beautiful model that undoubtedly has decades of useful life ahead of it. On the button and ready to go, it now needs another caring owner who will hopefully cherish it for at least as long as the current family have these last 30 years.

With all Pagoda prices on a relentlessly upwards trajectory for several years now (especially in RHD), it will not only bring a great deal of pleasure to its fortunate new owner, but may also prove a shrewd investment at the sensible guide price suggested.