Lot 158 - 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda
| Lot Number | 158 |
| Registration | VPE 591G |
| Chassis Number | 11304422003516 |
| Engine Number | 1309832202221 |
| Odometer reading | 60,334 miles |
| Result | Sold - £140,000 |
- Owned by present owner for 29 years
- Superb condition throughout
- Good comprehensive history
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was introduced in December 1967 and continued in production until February 1971. An all new design by Paul Bracq to replace the 190 SL and 300 SL Roaster. The 280 SL had a powerful 2.8 litre version of Mercedes inline-six and used Bosch fuel injection. To save on weight the bonnet, boot lid and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminium. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. The comparatively short and wide chassis, combined with an excellent suspension, powerful disc brakes and radial tyres gave the W113 superb handling for its time. These roadsters also have one of the most beautiful bodies produced in the 1960s. Thanks to their robust inline-six and their luxurious Mercedes interior, they are wonderful cars to be driven and enjoyed. The styling of the front paid homage to the legendary 300 SL with its characteristic upright Bosch ‘fishbowl’ headlights and simple chrome grille, dominated by the large three-pointed star in the nose panel.
This superb example is presented in white with a black interior and comes with its factory hardtop in black. The car and has been cherished for the last 29 years receiving a 'back to metal’ body restoration in 2003. Its smooth running 2.8 six-cylinder engine has had a new cylinder head fitted and been cared for for many years under the watchful eye of the renown specialist Michael Hibberd Motor Engineers. This beautiful example has been garaged and truly pampered. The paintwork is unmarked and is superb, its interior is commensurate with its exterior and the ‘shut lines’ are also superb. It also benefits from the recent installation of a new black hood. With its comprehensive history file showing many invoices of work carried out over many years, old MoT test certificates dating back as far as 1971, original books and its original Data cards, this surely is one of the finest examples available on the market today and is ready to enjoy the open road!
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.