"Pagoda" Mercedes from the 1960s
Discussion
I am interested in knowing if anyone at PH owns, or has owned, a 'Pagoda' Mercedes from the 1960s eg 230, 250 or 280.
I think they are stunning cars to look at, but wondering how much they cost, what they are really like to own, how reliable etc.
Also can anyone recommend a seller/specialist in the UK.
All comments greatly welcome
I think they are stunning cars to look at, but wondering how much they cost, what they are really like to own, how reliable etc.
Also can anyone recommend a seller/specialist in the UK.
All comments greatly welcome
Roger Edwards Motors based in Wembley, Middlesex 020 8903 2432. I haven't been there for a few years but certainly for service, restoration, advice and would probably know good cars that might be for sale. Roger passed away a couple of years ago. Cedric Selzer his partner as far as I know still runs it. Ex team lotus and mechanic to Jimmy Clark.
I've owned this one for about twelve years now:
It's a 1969 280SL Auto.
Bought from Chelsea Cars on Armoury Way, Wandsworth for £24k, June 2000. They did a deal for a few grand off the showroom price and I picked it up two weeks later after having a couple of electrical items sorted out that were in with the deal. Didn't get all the niggles sorted, but I didn't mind tackling a few minor jobs myself. Honestly? Neutral about buying a classic from a dealer, specialist or otherwise. I'd recommend one of the Merc classic clubs and their websites for sourcing my next one. Some of the members are that keen that they'll take an initial look for you if your a bit far away.
Some of the parts costs are eye-watering, particularly the chrome work. Body panel costs may make you wince too, but generally prices are ok for a car of this standard and if you quote a Merc club member number you'll get a discount from a few main dealers.
I had the engine replaced, new pipework, ancillaries etc in 2003 for a total of £7k fitted. I got most of the block and parts from Roger Edwards and can vouch for the standard of their work and unsurpassed knowledge of this W113 model.
Prices are on the up, noticeably in the last year, 18 months or so, but the costs are varying wildly, again the owners club/classic club have the best array of cars on offer and almost all the cars you'll see will be enthusiast maintained.
There's no substitute for homework though, buy the best you can afford, rather than the scruffy one that needs 'very little' to make it A1. They're very reliable with suprisingly good road handling and you'll rarely fill up without chatting to someone about your P&J, all in all I'd highly recommend one.
It's a 1969 280SL Auto.
Bought from Chelsea Cars on Armoury Way, Wandsworth for £24k, June 2000. They did a deal for a few grand off the showroom price and I picked it up two weeks later after having a couple of electrical items sorted out that were in with the deal. Didn't get all the niggles sorted, but I didn't mind tackling a few minor jobs myself. Honestly? Neutral about buying a classic from a dealer, specialist or otherwise. I'd recommend one of the Merc classic clubs and their websites for sourcing my next one. Some of the members are that keen that they'll take an initial look for you if your a bit far away.
Some of the parts costs are eye-watering, particularly the chrome work. Body panel costs may make you wince too, but generally prices are ok for a car of this standard and if you quote a Merc club member number you'll get a discount from a few main dealers.
I had the engine replaced, new pipework, ancillaries etc in 2003 for a total of £7k fitted. I got most of the block and parts from Roger Edwards and can vouch for the standard of their work and unsurpassed knowledge of this W113 model.
Prices are on the up, noticeably in the last year, 18 months or so, but the costs are varying wildly, again the owners club/classic club have the best array of cars on offer and almost all the cars you'll see will be enthusiast maintained.
There's no substitute for homework though, buy the best you can afford, rather than the scruffy one that needs 'very little' to make it A1. They're very reliable with suprisingly good road handling and you'll rarely fill up without chatting to someone about your P&J, all in all I'd highly recommend one.
These guys are not far from me, www.silchestercars.co.uk they specialise in restoring Pagoda`s and always have a couple for sale.
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