Lot 129: Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda

First seen in 1961, the 113 SL was a total departure from the 190SL, which was a 300SL look-a-like without the performance. Th 113 or Pagoda was clean, fresh and unlike anything on offer from other manufacturers.The Pagoda gained a great following for its beautiful, clean lines but more practical people also loved the interchangeable hard and soft tops, which gave the car year-round appeal. A coupe in the winter; a roadster in spring and summer.The original Pagoda came with a straight six 2.3 litre engine. This was replaced by the 250 unit in 1967-1968 but the ultimate Pagoda is the 280, which came along in 1968 and remained until the model was replaced by the 107 in 1971.Offered here is a 1969 280SL, which has the automatic transmission and has been the subject of extensive expenditure over the past 10 years, which has included a bare metal repaint and conversion to unleaded fuel.Finished in metallic silver with black interior, the car has been passed from step father, to mother and now to the son, who, unfortunately, does not have suitable space to keep the car.Described as being in very good condition, the car is offered with an MoT through to January 2009 and is eligible for free historic road tax.