Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda Automatic

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One of the prettiest roadsters ever made, the Paul Braqc-designed Pagoda SL is so superbly well-built that it can genuinely be used every day.

Launched in 1963, the W113 (in Stuttgart language) eventually spanned three engine sizes, all fuel-injected: the initial 150bhp 2.3-litre; the similarly powerful 2.5 in 1966 and the 170bhp 2.8-litre in 1967. Suspension was by double wishbones and coil springs at the front, with a typical Mercedes-Benz coil-sprung swing axle at the rear.

To save weight, doors, boot and bonnet were made of aluminium and it could be ordered with a choice of manual or automatic transmission, both with four-speeds. All cars had front disc brakes (and rear on the 280) with power steering from 1964 onwards and all were capable of over 110mph, the most powerful of the three just reaching the 120mph mark.

The elegant low waistline, wide stance, fishbowl headlamps and big curved windscreen were topped with a unique dished removable hardtop – hence the 'Pagoda' name. The innovative shape was designed to increase rigidity and reduce drumming. The complete package was stunningly beautiful, built like a Mercedes and had performance to match. To prove a point, a 230SL was driven to victory in one of Europe’s toughest rallies, the Spa-Sophia-Liege in 1963.

This fine looking 280SL Automatic was first registered in Kent in May 1968. A genuine RHD model, it comes with both hard and soft tops and spent its formative years in the South London area. A large quantity of bills dating from 1987/8, show a major restoration which included four new wings, a new front panel, new cross-member, floor sections, rear valence, grille, headlight panel and a full set of new seals. At the same time the interior was retrimmed in Connolly hide.

Ten years down the line the car was treated to a comprehensive suspension and brake overhaul along with a new fuel injection pump and a new head. By 2004 it turned up for sale at Classic Chrome Garage, who sold it for £23,000, the new owner passing it to the vendor in 2006.

He has regularly maintained the car although has covered just 4,500 miles since acquisition. Bills on file list new pads, discs and front calipers, four new tyres and a recored radiator in 2008 at a cost of £3,150 and a further £2,100 was spent on a new camshaft and bearings and rear pinion oil seal in 2014. He also had new seatbelts made and fitted as per the originals.

The car appears to have had a new speedometer fitted in about 1991 according to the 21 old MOT certificates, so the total indicated mileage of 42,300 miles is known to be incorrect. Its current ticket expires in June 2016. The period radio has been modified to take an iPod and the car retains its original handbook. Said to have proved extremely reliable during the current 10-year ownership, the vendor’s son completed a trip to the South of France a few years ago with no problems whatsoever and it has barely been used since.

Comprehensively restored some time ago and carefully maintained ever since, this lovely RHD SL has a nice mellowed feel about it and only needs an enthusiastic new owner who can give it the more regular exercise that it deserves.