1971 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda W113

Highlights

• Matching numbers engine and chassis, verified against the data card
• Desirable manual transmission
• Reported to have never been welded
• Single US ownership from 1984 until import to the UK
• Recently health-checked at the SLShop, with fuel system refurbishment
• Fridgiking air conditioning system fitted for the 1971 model year
• Viewings welcome via the viewing request button

The Appeal

When fitted to the latter 2.8-litre Pagoda SLs, the lesser-seen four-speed manual gearbox transforms these cars into something altogether more sporting than most W113s. That M130 engine is surprisingly free-revving, and this specification makes the most of it.
Finished in its original Papyrus White with a Dark Navy Blue interior as per the data card, this is a notably original survivor. It retains its matching numbers engine, and the vendor reports that the car has never been welded. Having been in single US ownership from 1984 until its import to the UK, it appears to have been very well maintained and cherished throughout that period.

Since arriving in the UK, the car has benefited from a thorough health check at the SLShop in Staffordshire, along with a new fuel pump and a refurbishment of the fuel injection system. The vendor describes the body and paintwork as being in very good order, citing straight panels, a lack of dents and all-matching paint across the body, hard top and wheel trims. This is not a concours-prepared showpiece but rather a properly sorted, well-loved Pagoda that is ready to be driven and enjoyed.

History and Paperwork

• 1971 model year, originally supplied to the US market
• Left-hand drive, subsequently imported to the UK and registered
• Single US ownership from 1984 until import, we are told
• Original service manual, owners' manual and booklets included
• Array of documentation from the long-term US owner
• Exempt from MOT and road tax
• 93,000 miles indicated (unwarranted)

The Condition

• Finished in Papyrus White, the original colour as per the data card
• Removable hard 'Pagoda' top and wheel trims painted in matching Papyrus White
• Dark Navy Blue interior as per the data card
• Dark navy blue soft top
• The vendor reports the body and paintwork are in very good condition, with no dents, chips or marks
• Straight body panels, all matching
• Reported to have never been welded, with no rot
• Some remedial paintwork carried out over the car's life
• Signs of use and wear consistent with a 55-year-old car that has been driven and enjoyed
• Fridgiking air conditioning system fitted for the 1971 model year

In our humble opinion, this is one of the greatest Pagoda colour schemes of all - showing off those graceful lines without being in any way overbearing. The photographs spoke volumes about the car's condition, so we encourage bidders to study them carefully to appreciate just how smart this car looks. The folding hood is demonstrated to be in good working order, and the car also comes with that elegant detachable hard top which lends the W113 its "Pagoda" nickname.

The Mechanics

• 2.8-litre inline-six engine
• Four-speed manual transmission
• The vendor reports the engine is running well
• New fuel pump fitted
• Fuel injection system refurbished
• Health check (over £900) completed at the SLShop in Staffordshire

All presents very well indeed under the bonnet of this SL. Everything is beautifully laid out and clearly of a quality one comes to expect of a Mercedes-Benz of this era. We're informed that the car is in very good running and driving order, ready to meet its new custodian.
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