The iconic Pagoda – often touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful cars. Restored in 2014 with a comprehensive record, rare and highly desirable manual transmission, matching numbers vehicle. 2306cc M127 I6 Engine with 4-speed manual transmission, includes both hard top and soft top. History file dates as far back as 1988! Introduced in 1963, the W113 was a hallmark in Mercedes-Benz history that defined the company’s future. With its subtle curved styling, excellent ride quality and a huge focus on safety, these sports cars were swift performers – but really found their place as an utterly exceptional all-rounder.
This example comes to us in a desirable Horizon Blue, having spent much of its life being cossetted, regularly serviced and subject to plenty of work. With its contrasting colour hard-top and soft-top both included, this is a superb prospect to take on a highly desirable classic.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Built in 1964 and In 2015 the car underwent a comprehensive restoration. Currently indicates 73,283 miles, which appears supported by its history. The car has a valid MOT until the 25th of September 2023, with zero advisories
The vehicle’s paperwork file includes:
A 20-page photographic record of the restoration, Comprehensive list of previous owners and service history, Original service record book, Copy of the Stuttgart factory record, proving this to be a matching-numbers vehicle, Extensive selection of invoices dating back to 1988. All held in a large binder
THE INTERIOR
Excellent period interior in colour-matched blue, navy and zebrano. Beautifully presented with plenty of period features intact, 2+1 layout seats, free of rips or tears. The transverse rear seat is a rare and desirable option. Retrimmed in 2007, judging from the mileage on the relevant invoice. Door cards in excellent condition with no rips or tears
Dashboard is clean and well-kept with all instruments in good condition, Some light areas of paint loss or marking, commensurate with age, As far as we’ve been informed, everything is in very good order. Original colour-matched steering wheel, with age-commensurate wear, Modern Becker radio unit has been installed, Carpets in good, clean condition
Some light staining and discolouration to the hard top’s lining. Boot is clean and well-presented with a spare wheel
Loaded with period styling, this Pagoda’s cabin is clean and well-presented, with a natural period warmth and plenty of detail. The blue, silver and wood grain all fuse together perfectly to create a highly evocative place to be driver or passenger. With only gentle signs of period wear to the paintwork, it’s a beautifully-kept example – the seats are completely free of meaningful wear, the zebrano wood creates a sharp accent, and the carpets are free of rips or tears. It’s a great example of a mid-century interior, with any restoration and retrimming having been done to a very high standard.
THE EXTERIOR
Full colour spec is:
Horizon Blue paintwork (code 304)
Colour-matched Horizon Blue hardtop (code 304)
Navy soft top (723)
Impressive paintwork with colour-matched wheels
Good, straight bodywork with a tight panel fit
Some light signs of chips and blistering, particularly around the arches
The chromework carries a slight patina but still contrasts very nicely
Glasswork and lenses are in good order throughout
All branding appears to be present and correct
The car is sat on its original colour-matched wheels with Mercedes-Benz insignia
Complete with Wind ceflector
Shod in a full set of Toyo tyres, which look in good order
Underneath, the car looks solid with some surface level corrosion
The hard top looks in good condition with no significant faults we can spot
The soft top is in excellent condition with zero rips or tears. The aesthetics of the Pagoda are hard to ignore. The bodywork’s subtle curves capture a distinctly European look at the roadster, with the brand’s hallmark grille. It’s very clear at a glance that this was car that foresaw the future of Mercedes-Benz design.
With some light patina and signs of wear bedding in from the car’s restoration, the vehicle carries a period appearance while still remaining in exceptional fettle for its age. The contrasting navy hard-top and soft-top really complete the vehicle’s excellent character. With only light signs of the car’s venerable years, this is a very well-presented example of the classic roadster, and eminently usable.
THE MECHANICS
Matching numbers vehicle, proven by the Stuttgart factory record, 2306cc M127 I6 Engine, 4-speed manual transmission. Regularly serviced with a comprehensive history, Gearbox was fully rebuilt in May 2022. Last major service in January 2023, the car has done less than 10,000 miles since 2006
Popping open the bonnet of this excellent roadster reveals the equally well-reputed M127 powerplant. This one has been present throughout the car’s life, regularly serviced and subject to a rebuilt in 1992, with a good solid engine bay wrapped around it. The car is reportedly in excellent mechanical condition. We’ve received no reports of leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, and it’s driving exactly as expected. These cars are still capable of some spirited performance, and should make a highly rewarding classic to drive. Beautiful aesthetics, an impressive history file and a cracking interior – this is a superb example of the legendary German roadster, with a highly desirable colour scheme and plenty of period aesthetics. We’ve no doubt this car will attract plenty of attention.