– The Mercedes 280 SL Pagoda. A house of worship for convertible lovers. –

In the early 1960s, Walter Hitzinger, the head of Mercedes, was searching for a middle ground between the 300 SL Gullwing (slowly flying) and the 190 SL, which was largely reserved for ladies with oversized sun hats. In 1963, they presented the W113, which quickly became known as the “Pagoda,” thanks to the distinctive shape of its hardtop for the winter months. Now, nearly 60 years later, an absolute cult classic. And we completely agree!

The chassis was a shortened version of the W111 S-Class platform, equipped with an M180 inline-six that was essentially a redeveloped aircraft engine. Extended nose, large Bakelite steering wheel, rear-wheel drive… need we say more?

And ours? A neat example in Grau Blau Metallic over beige leather that has been happily cruising through the Netherlands for 25 years. Equipped with air conditioning, a Becker radio, a tracking system, cruise control, and a stainless steel exhaust system from front to back. Always maintained in the Netherlands by a renowned Mercedes-Benz specialist who has blessed this example for its next adventure.

"Halt die Klappe und nimm mein Geld!"