280 SL
At the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes presented its new generation SL, known internally as W113. It was to replace the legendary 300 SL and the 190 SL.
The W113 SL 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 distinctive and slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the ‘Pagoda’ nickname.
The Mercedes SL has long represented the pinnacle of two-seater open-topped Mercedes motoring. Expensive, exclusive, fast and beautifully built, in all of its various forms the SL is one of the most aspirational classics available, especially in Pagoda form.
‘Mercedes SLs have always been superlative tourers rather than scalpel-sharp driving machines, but that doesn’t make them any less desirable. Indeed, it makes them more soughtafter. The focus is on usability, so you get a decent level of practicality, comfort and performance to make long-distance drives an effortless affair.’
If you are looking to invest in a classic to restore it to your own preferences, we always carry a stock of cars awaiting restoration or improvement.
You can select a base car, specify both interior and exterior preferences, and we will provide a written quote and an estimated time scale.Mercedes W113 and W111 classic restorations have been the core of our business since Motor Classic started in 1995.
Every collection of European automobiles needs a W113 Mercedes-Benz, and an authentic Concourse quality piece.
The Pagoda was never built in large numbers and while it was costly when new, for a while it was a relatively attainable classic.Those days are long in the past now, as values have gone stratospheric. There’s currently no such thing as a cheap Pagoda, unless it’s a basket case in need of a complete restoration – an option only available to those who are privileged.
There are many pagodas on the market but – to have what is perfect for you, its an investment for the future.
As an investment, these beautiful automobiles have been increasing in value dramatically over the past 5 years as the first-class cars become harder and harder to find. Not only are they very rewarding, but they are exceptional piece of engineering and a pleasure to drive.
