About this Mercedes-Benz SL Series

DEPOSIT TAKEN: 03/11/2023

The Mercedes-Benz W113 'Pagoda' Sports was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and replaced both the 300 SL (W198) and the 190 SL (W121).

It was produced between 1963 and 1971 and a total of 48,912 cars were built before it was replaced by the W107 series SL's in 1971.
The car was developed under the auspices of Mercedes-Benz Technical Director Fritz Nallinger, Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Head of Styling Friedrich Geiger. The lead designers were Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, who created its patented and slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the "Pagoda" nickname.

All models were equipped with an inline-six cylinder engine with multi-port mechanical fuel injection with the first cars having a 2.3 Litre engine followed by a 2.5 litre for one year only in 1967 and finally the 2.8 litre engine was installed in 1968 and continued through to the end of production in 1971. The bonnet, boot lid, door skins and hood cover were all made of aluminium to reduce weight and the comparatively short and wide chassis, combined with an excellent suspension, powerful brakes and radial tyres gave the W113 superb handling for its time.
The styling of the front, with its characteristic upright Bosch "fishbowl" headlights and simple chrome grille, dominated by the large three-pointed star in the nose panel, paid homage to the earlier 300 SL roadster.

Nearly all models were 2-seater cars and were produced with a fold-away Soft-Top and an optional removable Hardtop, but a 2+2 version was introduced with the introduction of the 250 SL in 1967 and this was referred to as the "California Coupe," which had a fold-down rear bench seat instead of the soft-top and only came with a removable Hard Top. It was so named because most of these models were only sold in sunny California!

This beautifully restored original UK supplied right hand drive W113 Mercedes 280SL 'Pagoda' Sports - Chassis Number: 11304422005202 and Engine No: 13098322001714 was first registered on 31st March 1969 and only had 3 former keepers from new. It was purchased by Essex County Classics in Tillingham, Essex from the last owner and they have carried out a full restoration of the car over a 5/6 year period and it was finally completed in the spring of 2021.

Restoration works included a complete bare metal strip down of the body shell with several new panels being fitted including new front wings and a specially made and bespoke front lower panel which these cars did not have when new, but they really do look excellent and protect the bottom of the radiator from stone damage. It was then completely repainted in Mercedes Silver Grey Metallic to an exceptionally high standard as any inspection of the bodywork will confirm. In addition, it had a full mechanical overhaul with a top end engine rebuild (not its original engine from new, but period correct), and most ancillaries were renewed, new suspension components, and complete new braking system.

The appearance of the engine bay and the underside of this car go to show the extent of all the hard work, time and effort put into this restoration, as it really is to an exceptional standard and looks as though it has just rolled off the end of the production line!

The interior of the car is also exceptional with most interior fittings having been replaced or refurbished and it has new Red leather seats with headrests, restored interior woodwork, a new Black mohair Soft Top and all exterior chrome on the car has either been replaced or re-chromed plus it has new tinted glass in both doors and a new tinted Windscreen + all new rubber seals throughout.

The car is finished in arguably one of the nicest colour schemes of Mercedes Silver Grey Metallic with a Red leather interior and it is sitting on a set of the Mercedes 15" Bundt Alloy Wheels with polished rims and new tyres. This style of Alloy Wheel was an extra-cost option for the 1970 model year right through to the end of productions in February 1971, but the original 14" Steel Wheels and full face wheel trims are available should the buyer wish to have them instead of the 15" alloys.

The car does of course also come with its factory fitted Hard Top which is currently being repainted. Since completion of the restoration and engine rebuild, the car has only covered around 400 miles!

Upon completion of the restoration, the car was taken to Mercedes 'Pagoda' specialist 'Roger Edwards' in Amersham for inspection and valuation and they issued a Valuation Certificate in June 2021 for £150,000, although it is fair to say that prices of these models have increased a little since then, so at our asking price the car represents exceptionally good value for money when compared to some other very similar cars currently being advertised at 'significantly' higher prices!

The car also comes with the really nice 'Mercedes Pagoda' personal number plate MIB 113 which is included in the sale.

This must genuinely be one of the nicest examples currently available for sale and with Historic Vehicle status it is of course Road Tax free, MOT exempt and ULEZ charge exempt and it can be insured very reasonably on an agreed value classic car insurance policy - see our links page for a list of classic insurance brokers.

Upon sale, the car will come with a new MOT and pre-sales service and it will also come with our own 6 Month Mechanical Warranty which can be upgraded and extended at additional cost if required.

Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake, South West London.

NB: The Hard Top is currently being restored and repainted and will be delivered to us shortly, so the photographs shown of a very similar car with a Hard Top fitted are courtesy of DD Classics in Kew.

NB: Classic Chrome Ltd make every effort to ensure that the information in this advertisement is accurate and all statements as to provenance and condition are given as opinions only. When describing any car that is more than 20 years old, we sometimes have to rely on the car's history file and any information provided by the previous owner(s). This information in passed on in good faith and is therefore not purported to be a statement of fact. Any prospective purchaser must satisfy themselves as to the condition and fitness for use of the vehicle. This does not affect your statutory rights.