Transmission: 4 gears, Manual gearbox
Registration number: MB-96-53

Car’s with nicknames as well-known as the model name are very often very famous and loved vehicles. That is certainly the case with the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, which triggers instant recognition for every car enthusiast. Just to clarify for those unsure why it got its nickname: The concave roof shape of the 280 SL is reminiscent of a Chinese Pagoda roof.

The 280SL W113 is the successor to the legendary W198, the SL, gull-wing, that was also available as a roadster.
The successor was only available in the open version and had the daunting task to overshadow its predecessor. Fortunately the W198 was not forgotten, despite the Pagoda being a clear success. Slender and slim and very stylishly sculpted it counts as one of the brands most sophisticated creations.

The 1970 Pagoda we have on offer is the most powerful version, as by then the 230SL and 250SL were no longer available. With 170 hp the SL is sportier with not much else around at the time with more allure. Its silver-grey ‘coat’ and navy blue leather upholstery lends a classic and timeless appearance.

This car is one of the best riding ones we have seen. The 2,778 cc straight-six runs as smooth as silk and is not in the least troubled by old-age infirmities. Torque, power, suppleness: everything pointing to fantastic maintenance. That includes the manual 4-speed, the suspension and brakes. This is a car that will effortlessly take you down to the south of France. It handles speed extremely well and will stick to the road on those twisting roads on the Cote. The SL is a car with two faces, one the one hand a delightful tourer and on the other a proper sportscar. Once behind the wheel you would be loath to stop, except to tank.

The bodywork is very neat with some signs of use it has picked up over the years. Nothing worrying but noticeable when you are polishing the car. The paintwork is in good condition with a nice lustre. The Chrome bumpers and other brightwork are all very well kept, the same goes for the characteristic alloy rims and excellent tyres.
A look inside tells a lot and what a lovely honest state of affairs it is. The navy blue upholstery of the seats and door cards are lovely as are the carpets. We are totally in love with the appearance of the dashboard, part colour-coded and part in the same navy cladding as the rest of the interior. This open Mercedes-Benz has an exceptionally fine set of clocks, emphasising its luxury credentials. The two large gauges with a vertical cluster in between were and are simply jaw-dropping. The whole build quality of an SL is exceptionally good, as is evident in the car’s current state and finish.

Mechanically the SL has been fantastically maintained and is in truly magnificent shape. We have already mentioned. that few W113’s drive as well as this silver-grey roadster does. The condition of the floor is of the same fine standing as the rest of car.

In short this is a very fine and especially exceptional good SL. Ready for many more miles of pleasant motoring. It is at home on international motorways as well as driving through mountain passes and country roads: This SL will not disappoint!

Gallery Aaldering is Europe’s leading Classic Cars specialist since 1975! Always 400 Classic and Sportscars in stock, please visit www.gallery-aaldering.com for the current stock list (all offered cars are available in our showroom) and further information. We are located near the German border, 95 km from Düsseldorf and 90 km from Amsterdam. So easy traveling by plane, train, taxi and car. Transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged. No duties/import costs within Europe. We buy, sell and provide consignment sales (selling on behalf of the owner). We can arrange/provide registration/papers for our German (H-Kennzeichen, TÜV, Fahrzeugbrief, Wertgutachten usw.) and Benelux customers. Gallery Aaldering, Arnhemsestraat 47, 6971 AP Brummen, The Netherlands. Tel: 0031-575-564055. Quality, experience and transparency is what sets us apart. We look forward to welcoming you in our showroom