1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda W113

Highlights

• Private plate has been put on retention. Current reg: SVM153H
• Vast history file of maintenance supporting documented mileage
• Finished in its beautiful factory original Mercedes Metallic Red
• Very well-kept car in good order and with desirable specification
• Engine overhaul in the 1990s with few miles covered since
• Current voluntary MOT valid to May without any advisories
• Retains correct 'dimples' on front wings by the headlights

The Appeal

It’s a testament to the Pagoda’s engineering and capabilities that, for a car built in the 1960s and commonly featured in high-end static collections, it remains so utterly usable. That is particularly so of the 2.8L M130 straight six, which is more than able to keep up with modern traffic. This car also benefits from power steering.

Its 2.8L engine and auto box is widely regarded as the ‘optimum’ spec. It is a really well presented car in a very handsome colour combination. The history file is equally impressive, showing regular maintenance and servicing, and supports the low displayed mileage. It shows that the engine was reconditioned in the 1990s, since when it has covered few miles. The car comes to market with a recent service 500 miles ago in 2023.

The History and Paperwork

• First registered 26th May 1970
• UK registered RHD car
• 10 registered keepers
• Voluntary MOT valid to 17th May 2027 with no structural advisories
• Datacard with decipher of details as shown
• Large quantity of invoices
• 1990s correspondence
• Record of 1990s work including engine overhaul
• Various old MOTs
• Supplied new by renowned Rob Walker Garages in UK
• Stamped original service book and invoices
• Previously also maintained by John Haynes of Worthing
• Service history with recent work below

Recent service history (further details in photos):

• 05/23 - 90,437 miles - Peter Cooper Car Repairs
• 05/22 - 90,369 miles - Peter Cooper Car Repairs
• 04/21 - 90,281 miles - Peter Cooper Car Repairs
• 05/20 - 90,248 miles - Peter Cooper Car Repairs
• 03/18 - 90,125 miles - Peter Cooper Car Repairs
• 10/14 - 87,300 miles - Meringtons Workshop (error on mileage recording)
• 05/13 - 86,535 miles - Meringtons Workshop
• 06/11 - 84,951 miles - Meringtons Workshop
• 06/09 - 83,067 miles - SS Motors
• 02/04 - 80,989 miles - John Hughes Auto Technician
• 07/01 - 79,347 miles - John Hughes Auto Technician

The Condition

• Very well-kept red metallic car with matching hard top
• Bodywork presents well with good panel fit
• Black mohair soft top shows good condition and even colour
• Hard top also in good condition inside and out
• Perforated black leather interior with original fittings including Becker radio
• 'Dimples’ on both front wings by headlights
• Steel wheels with body colour hub caps
• Superb Chrome work throughout
• No advisories on MOT

Not that Paul Bracq’s crisp lines need any assistance, but certain colours do flatter those handsome, chiselled lines. The red metallic of this car is definitely one of them. It’s a tasteful shade and it nicely highlights the brightwork. This car comes with its matching hard top.

The condition inside and out is impressive for a car now in its sixth decade. The history file explains why, showing a regular run of preventative maintenance throughout the car’s life and supporting the low mileage for the year. Nice original features like the classic radio remain.

The Mechanics

• 2,778cc M130 fuel injected straight six engine
• 4spd automatic gearbox
• Well maintained irespective of sparing use
• Fitted with power steering
• Serviced in 2023 with few miles since
• Engine overhaul in 1990s
• No advisories on MOT

This car’s 91,000 miles from new is barely run in for the M130 straight six engine. The history file supports the low displayed mileage. It also reveals a regular run of routine and other preventative maintenance. The servicing has been undertaken irrespective of the sparing mileage covered since the car received extensive engine work in the 1990s. The last service was in 2023 since when the car has only covered 500 miles. SInce 2018 it has been serviced by the same independent specialist.

Earlier notes record extensive engine work in the 1990s, since when the car has covered around 20,000 miles. The current MOT contains no advisories.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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