SLSHOP MERCEDES 280SL PAGODA ON DISPLAY AT MB WORLD, BROOKLANDS

‘’If you desired, you could most probably eat your lunch off the undercarriage…’’

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the W113 Pagoda, the world’s leading SL specialist has been selected to showcase the finest example of Pagoda for display at the marque’s centre in Weybridge, Surrey. The enormous centre is located on the site of the original Brooklands Circuit, which is now visible upon entry to Mercedes-Benz World.

The 280SL Pagoda in question?left the manufacturing plant in Western Germany in 1969, having been specified in a colour combination of ‘Weiss’ or White (050), with a Black MB Tex (131) interior finish and a Black (040) Hard Top. Over many years of enjoyment at the hands of a variety of affluent individuals, this Pagoda (as it is colloquially called), eventually landed in our laps.

We then set about an extensive ground-up restoration of every inch of bodywork, the replacement of every rubber grommet and hose, every twill of carpet and every inch of chrome. The bespoke nature of the build allowed the owner to specify a new colour combination, opting for period-correct Anthracite Grey Metallic (172) with a contrasting Bamboo Leather (249) interior.

But it doesn’t just look beautiful…

Mechanically, the 2.8 litres M130 SOHC in-line six-cylinder engine has been recommissioned, with every element stripped, refurbished, or replaced before being carefully reassembled. Once the engine was reunited with the body, an extensive ‘engine setup’ procedure could begin. This involved painstaking testing and adjustment of the fuel injection systems and the suspension to ensure optimal performance and comfort.

The result is a classic Mercedes-Benz 280SL that drives as good as it looks…

In the words of its current owner, ‘’observing this 280SL, you are immediately transported back to the 1960s, a time when vehicles were more than just another ‘white good.’ A time when automobiles, fashion, music, film and dreams all fused together to deliver a concoction of ‘classy cool.’ A classic Mercedes-Benz is one cool fish and standing here, this 280SL is a reminder of the need to keep preserving and enjoying these vehicles.’’

We’d like to share our thanks to Mercedes-Benz World for hosting this fine specimen, and to its current owner, for allowing SLSHOP to showcase the work of a selection of extremely talented craftsmen.

Mercedes-Benz World is free to enter and offers a range of unique experiences for enthusiasts, including a range of track-based and off-road driving experiences in all manner of performance models. We strongly advise those interested in the marque’s history to visit the centre.