1970 Mercedes 280SL Pagoda | 1.88M HKD "FIRM"

THIS MOTOR CAR

The Mercedes‑Benz Pagoda (W113) made a stunning debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, blending sporty elegance with effortless performance from its smooth six‑cylinder engine. As the world's first sports car with an innovative safety body, it offered exceptional comfort, driving security, and handling. Produced from 1963 to 1971 (with the 280 SL arriving in 1967), its distinctive concave hardtop inspired the “Pagoda” nickname. Built with aluminium body panels, a wide track, and reliable fuel‑injected engines, the Pagoda paid stylistic homage to the legendary 300 SL. Renowned for durability, easy maintenance, and strong parts availability, it remains one of the most stress‑free and enjoyable classics for today's drivers.

This particular example was first delivered in Australia in 1970 and is presented in the timeless colour combination of White over Black with a Black soft‑top canvas. The matching white “Pagoda” hardtop and a dedicated hardtop stand are included. Imported to Hong Kong and first registered here in 2008, this car has been cherished by a series of custodians. The current owner acquired it through Classic Insider in 2021, and the vehicle now shows five previous owners on the VRD.

Year: 1970

Body: Convertible

Exterior: White with White Hardtop

Interior: Black

Driver's Sider: RHD

Transmission: Automatic

Indicated Mileage: 12,757 KM (Indicated at time of photography)

First Delivery Location: Australia

Registration: Imported and Hong Kong Registered in 2008 with 5 previous owners

Current Ownership: Since 2021.

EXTERIOR:

The Pagoda presents in good condition, the result of an older restoration that has been well‑kept and consistently maintained. The white paintwork shows well overall, with minor rust noted in the wheel‑well area—a common and addressable point on these cars. The chrome exterior trim is in acceptable condition, displaying some tarnish consistent with age. More notably, rust is visible on the rear left chrome bumper, which will require professional remediation. The black soft‑top is fully functional, and the body‑coloured hardtop (including a standing rack) accompanies the sale. The car rides on its original wheel caps fitted with regular tyres accented by white‑wall “stick‑on” trim.

CABIN:

The interior remains in genuinely nice condition. The black leather seats, carpets, and headliner all present well, reflecting consistent care over the years. A period‑correct Becker radio remains in place, and the car is equipped with air conditioning—a desirable feature for top‑down driving in warmer climates. The cabin exudes an honest, usable charm rather than sterile perfection. This is a comfortable, preserved environment that enhances the classic Pagoda driving experience.

MECHANICAL:

Beneath the bonnet, the engine bay is relatively clean and tidy, apart from some surface rust on tarnishable components. The car has been consistently serviced, though physical service records are not available from the current ownership period. However, the car comes with an extensive file of historical invoices from previous ownership (2008–2021) documenting over HKD 430,000 in restoration and maintenance. The tool roll and spare are present.

CLASSIC INSIDER ASSESSMENT

We quantify condition where others merely describe. Our score of 78/100 reflects a car that is mechanically honest and authentic, with the character of a loved and used classic rather than a concourse showpiece.

• Exterior (77/100): Older restoration, well‑kept. Good paint overall, but minor rust on wheel‑well area. Chrome shows some tarnish, with rust on the rear left chrome bumper requiring attention. Soft‑top functional. White hardtop and stand included.

  
  

• Interior (80/100): Surprisingly nice condition. Seats, carpets, headliner present well. Original Becker radio and air conditioning present.

  
  

• Mechanical (78/100): Apart from surface rust on tarnishable parts, the engine bay is relatively clean and tidy. Consistently serviced but lacks physical records under current ownership

HIGHLIGHTS

• Classic Colour Combination: White over Black with matching white hardtop – elegant and timeless.

• Older Restoration in Good Order: Cosmetically well‑kept, with the expensive body and chrome work already performed.

• Hardtop & Stand Included: The iconic Pagoda roof and a practical storage rack come with the car.

• Consistently Used & Maintained: A car that has been driven and cared for, not left to deteriorate.

• Enviable Documented History (2008–2021): Over HKD 430,000 invested by the previous owner, with invoices to prove it.

• Classic Insider Condition Score: 78/100

SERVICE HISTORY

This beautifully preserved 280SL Pagoda comes with a thick file of invoices dating back to 2008, documenting a no‑expense‑spared approach to restoration and maintenance. The car has been cherished by its previous owner, who invested heavily in mechanical, body, and interior work. The odometer readings confirm exceptionally low and careful use – from 3,682 in 2012 to just 11,841 in 2021, averaging less than 1,000 km per year. This is a true collector’s example that has been meticulously sorted.

The total documented investment by the previous owner (2008–2021) exceeds HKD 430,000, covering everything from a bare‑metal respray and full chrome restoration to a rebuilt transmission, air conditioning system, and new interior.

Detailed Service Timeline & Major Investments

Note: Mileage readings are recorded where available. All amounts in HKD.

2008 – Import & First Registration in Hong Kong

• 8 Apr (Mileage not recorded): Inter‑Auto Engineering Ltd handled all import procedures, including container delivery, customs clearance, towing, and government inspection. (HKD 22,358)

2011 – Cosmetic & Body Care

• 17 Jun (Mileage not recorded): Wai Kwong Motors – Repaired left front door (rust at bottom) and repainted. (HKD 2,200)

2012 – Major Mechanical & Air Conditioning Overhaul

• Apr–May (Mileage 3,682 km): Yau Wing Motors Company – Extensive restoration work

  • Transmission: Replaced with a reconditioned unit (HKD 31,000) plus labour (HKD 7,000).

  • Braking system: New brake master cylinder, rear wheel brake cylinders, hoses, and pads.

  • Suspension: Replaced front suspension bushes and control arm components.

  • Fuel system: Repaired fuel tank and replaced fuel hoses.

  • Total for this period: HKD 27,798 (April) + HKD 28,794 (May)

• May (Mileage 3,682 km): Full air conditioning rebuild – new compressor, receiver drier, condenser, hoses, and refrigerant. Also a reconditioned water pump and alternator. (HKD 28,794)

2013 – Bare‑Metal Respray & Full Chrome Restoration

• Nov (Mileage 4,917 km): Yau Wing Motors – The single largest investment

  • Complete body respray (bare‑metal, “起底喷油”) – HKD 50,000.

  • Full chrome and brightwork restoration – bumpers, trim, door handles, mirror, etc. – HKD 10,321 + 6,989.

  • New rubber seals (windscreen, doors, windows, trunk, soft‑top) – extensive list.

  • New wood trim set for interior – HKD 6,800.

  • New soft‑top cover and hardtop refurbishment – HKD 2,300 + 2,300.

  • Labour and parts total: HKD 151,191

• This was a ground‑up cosmetic rejuvenation that addressed every exterior and interior detail.

2015 – Ongoing Maintenance & Small Repairs

• May–Jul (Mileage 5,706 – 6,584 km):

  • Battery replacement (FIAMM 60Ah), towing, and electrical checks. (HKD 1,320 – 5,000)

  • Ignition lock cylinder and wiper blades. (HKD 5,000)

  • Gearshift bushings. (HKD 1,320)

2016 – Interior & Soft‑Top Refurbishment

• Sep (Mileage 7,664 km):

  • New soft‑top installation – HKD 15,000 labour + parts.

  • Replaced left and right mirrors, fuel filler cap, and repaired water leak. (HKD 15,000+)

• Nov (Mileage 7,664 km):

  • Major interior work – New carpets (HKD 18,000), chrome brightwork, sun visors, door handles, and various trim. (Total HKD 94,719)

2017 – Further Interior & Mechanical Attention

• Jan (Mileage 7,921 km): New Chan Noon Kee – Full carpet set and chrome re‑plating (HKD 36,200, of which HKD 15,000 was an outstanding balance from previous invoice).

• Mar (Mileage 7,921 km): Yau Wing – Brake vacuum hose, master cylinder, seat belt, and various interior switches. (HKD 19,250)

• Aug–Sep (Mileage 8,062 – 8,296 km):

  • Bonnet struts and electrical checks. (HKD 3,855)

  • New whitewall tyres (5 pieces) – HKD 4,900, plus labour. (Total HKD 5,845)

2018 – Transmission & Driveability Work

• Jan (Mileage 9,419 km):

  • Automatic transmission valve body overhaul – HKD 7,450 for parts, plus labour HKD 5,000.

  • New transmission filter, fluid, and spark plugs.

  • Repair to right door and repaint. (Total HKD 16,000+)

• May (Mileage 9,769 km):

  • Exhaust hangers, window chrome strips, oil service, and government inspection. (HKD 12,473)

• Aug (Mileage 9,769 km):

  • Four new whitewall tyres – HKD 3,920 plus fitting HKD 600. (HKD 4,520)

2019 – Final Major Services by Previous Owner

• Apr–May (Mileage 10,153 – 10,377 km):

  • Air conditioning diagnosis and re‑gas. (HKD 1,000)

  • Full service, brake inspection, new tyres (whitewall) – HKD 9,400 for four tyres.

  • Replaced instrument cluster cable, stop lamp switch, door glass regulator, and fuel hoses. (Total HKD 11,500+)

• Jun (Mileage 10,377 km):

  • New battery and roadside assistance. (HKD 1,750)

• Aug–Nov (Mileage 10,549 km):

  • Electric fuel pump, window handle, and extensive troubleshooting of starting and transmission kickdown. (HKD 10,020)

2021 – Final Invoice under Previous Ownership

• 17 May (Mileage 11,841 km): Wah Kee Battery, Tire & Motor Co. – Government inspection preparation, cleaning exhaust, and adjusting handbrake. (HKD 3,300)

2021 onwards – Current Owner

• The current owner has continued to care for the car with regular maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks) and replacement of perishable items as needed. No physical invoices are available for this period, but the car remains in excellent driving condition.

Summary of Major Investments (Previous Owner, 2008–2021)

Category	Description	Approx. Investment (HKD)
Body & Paint	Bare‑metal respray, rust repair, full chrome restoration (2013)	150,000+
Interior & Trim	Full carpets, wood trim, seat belts, soft‑top, chrome brightwork	100,000+
Transmission	Reconditioned unit (2012) and valve body overhaul (2018)	50,000+
Air Conditioning	Complete system rebuild (2012)	28,800
Suspension & Brakes	Master cylinder, hoses, bushes, brake cylinders	30,000+
Engine & Fuel System	Fuel pump, hoses, ignition components, alternator, water pump	25,000+
Tyres	Multiple sets of period‑correct whitewall tyres	20,000+
Import & Registration	First Hong Kong registration (2008)	22,400
Routine Maintenance	Annual services, inspections, batteries, towing	30,000+
****	TOTAL DOCUMENTED INVESTMENT	HKD 430,000+

SUMMARY

Presenting a 1970 Mercedes‑Benz 280SL Pagoda with this level of documented history is a rare privilege. This is not merely a “driver” – it is a car that has been the subject of a HKD 430,000+ restoration and maintenance program by a passionate previous owner, with every major system addressed.

The 2013 bare‑metal respray and full chrome restoration alone cost over HKD 150,000, ensuring the body is straight, rust‑free, and beautifully presented. The interior has been completely renewed with correct carpets, wood trim, and a fresh soft‑top. Under the skin, the transmission has been rebuilt, the air conditioning system is entirely new, and the suspension, brakes, and fuel system have been overhauled.

The odometer readings – from 3,682 km in 2012 to just 11,841 km in 2021 – confirm that the car has been used sparingly and cherished, not worn out. Since 2021, the current owner has continued to maintain the car properly, replacing perishables as needed.

For the discerning collector or enthusiast comparing Pagodas, this car stands apart. Its verifiable, massive investment history means you can buy with confidence: the expensive and difficult work (body, chrome, transmission, A/C) has already been done. You are acquiring a sorted, beautiful, and reliable example of one of Mercedes’ most iconic classics – ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately.

Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. For more info, please contact:

Kenneth Wong

Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com

Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.