1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

“A Pagoda reminds you that great driving was never really about going fast. It was about wanting to keep going.” - Chris Harris

In the early 1960s, Mercedes-Benz was looking for something between the 300 SL Gullwing and the 190 SL — a car with the sporting credentials of the former, but the usability and elegance of the latter.

The result arrived in 1963 in the form of the W113. Designed under the direction of Friedrich Geiger, with Paul Bracq responsible for much of its elegant styling, it quickly acquired the nickname “Pagoda”, thanks to the distinctive concave shape of its optional hardtop.

More than sixty years later, it has become a true automotive icon. Quite rightly so. The W113 used a shortened version of the W111 S-Class chassis and was powered by Mercedes-Benz's smooth straight-six. Long bonnet, large Bakelite steering wheel, rear-wheel drive and that unmistakable profile. What more could one want?

Well, ours has a few things going for it.

This is an original German-delivered 280 SL, retaining its original and particularly handsome colour combination of Signal Red over black leather. It is accompanied by excellent documentation, including its original stamped service books and factory Datenkarte.

And it is the latter that reveals a particularly interesting detail: option 249, specifying the electrically heated rear window in combination with insulating glass for the hardtop. A lovely period feature and exactly the sort of detail that makes a well-documented Pagoda particularly interesting to collectors.

More importantly, this is an honest car. It presents in the right condition to be enjoyed rather than merely admired. A car you can get into, lower the roof, turn the key and simply head off.

And perhaps that is what a Pagoda does best.

It makes you want to go somewhere.

Come and see it for yourself.