De Mercedes onder de klassieke convertibles: de 280 SL met beroemde “Pagoda hardtop” is het ultieme verzamelobject voor iedereen die iets met kunst en/of auto’s heeft. Vanwege de looks en de rijbeleving, maar zeker ook vanwege de waardevastheid: de Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode is op meerdere manieren een uitstekende investering! In het bijzonder wanneer het een prachtexemplaar als dat van Prins betreft: handgeschakeld, origineel Nederlands geleverd, afkomstig van slechts enkele eigenaren – waarvan de laatste een verzamelaar, en een bizar lage kilometerstand van nét 25.000! Wie gaat rekenen komt al gauw tot de conclusie dat de 54 jaar oude Duitser vaker dan eens in handen moet zijn geweest van iemand die de Benz behandelde als kunstobject…
Read moreMercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagode
The Mercedes among the classic convertibles: the 280 SL with the famous "Pagoda hardtop" is the ultimate collector’s item for anyone who has a thing for art and cars. Because of the looks and the driving characteristics, but also because of the value retention: the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda is an excellent investment in several ways! Especially when it’s a version with a manual transmission, only a few former owners and an extremely low mileage of 25,000 kilometers! Do the math and come to the conclusion that the 54-year-old, originally Dutch delivered German must have been possessed more than once by someone who treated the Benz like a piece of art.
History
It may have all started in 1954 with the legendary Gullwing, but this 2nd generation W113 is the very 1st Mercedes SL that was a convertible from the very beginning. Although, in essence this 280 SL Pagoda is a Roadster Coupe. The Mercedes-Benz “Sport Light” has both a soft top and a hard top. The hard top reminds us of the striking architecture of Asian buildings, with their curling ends. The 2nd generation SL was built from 1963 to 1971 and sold with 3 different engines. The 6-cylinder 280 SL belongs to the last and the most powerful series. The combination with a manual gearbox, as in this case, is quite unique.
Exterior
The Mercedes SL-class W113 is easily recognizable by its stretched, timeless bodywork, wide grille and vertically positioned headlight units. The cream white lacquer, gray roof and chrome details remain all in excellent condition. Of course they do, referring to the mileage… Take a look at the black soft top and you’ll immediately understand how much love the 280 SL must have had all these years. Furthermore, the design of this iconic Benz breathes 100% elegance. This is pure (SL) class without any showiness. Like a classy Mercedes should be.
Interior
The same goes for the brown leather W113 interior: the combination with the white exterior color is just as stylish as Lana Del Rey showing up with her golden R107. Now that’s what we call “dress to impress”. The characteristic Becker radio, dark brown carpet and many chrome parts are incredibly tasteful. The wooden strip below the windscreen would look good on a famous Italian boat as well… The most striking thing, however, is the gear shift. Of a manual gearbox!
Technique
Not only the transmission, but also the steering, braking and acceleration is a true pleasure in the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda top. Driving it is as if time has stood still. Disc brakes at the front and the rear are included (unlike the 230 SL) and the 2.8 liter in-line engine manages to squeeze 170 hp from the 6-cylinder: 20 more than the 1st series. The Sport Light has a psychological top speed of 200 km/h. Of course, a more modern machine has much more modern technologies, but this classic Benz is surprisingly smooth and comfortable for a 1968 Roadster Coupe. In short, a visit to Holland is inevitable for the ultimate vintage feel. See you soon.
Kind regards,
Prins Classics.
