"The stylish Mercedes-Benz W113 was presented at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and replaced both the expensive 300 SL and entry-level 190 SL with one medium-priced two-seat sports car. The SL was a huge success, with 48,912 sold in nine years, and is now considered a true masterpiece. The body combines the elegantly trim look of contemporary Mercedes saloons with a simple grille derived from the 300 SL. Béla Barényi conceived the patented concave hardtop, soon called the ‘Pagoda.’ Like the best designs, the W113 has proven to be timeless in its appeal.
We are pleased to offer this superb low mileage, two owner from new example which is an original and rare ‘California Coupé', with the single bench seat as designated by option '417' on its factory record.
Originally purchased in July 1969 by its first owner, a Mr. Luigi Bresciani an Italian ice cream manufacturer who ordered the Mercedes as a retirement present to himself. Interestingly Mr. Besciani ordered the Pagoda in U.K. right hand drive specification but had it delivered to his Italian residence. Later in 1972 he returned to England to join his family bringing the Pagoda with him. The Pagoda remained his pride and joy until 1982 when at the age of 80 he found his health failing and with great reluctance arranged for the car to be sold. At this stage, the car had covered some 51,000 miles. Our vendor acquired the vehicle at this time and carried out various maintenance work to ensure the car was ready for further use. The Mercedes was enjoyed for a further 8,000 miles and was taken around the country as well as on the continent.
Offered from over four decades of single ownership, this superb example has covered a mere 65,513 miles and has had just two owners from new. Accompanying the Pagoda is a sizeable history file with many documents, sundry bills, service records, MoT test certificates, and even the March 1983, edition of Classic and Sports which the car featured in!
Having been dry stored since the current vendors purchase in 1982, this Mercedes was last MoT’d in the early 2000’s and has been used sparingly since. Presented in very good, preserved condition the paintwork retains a deep shine and shows little sign of age as does the interior and chrome work. The vendor reports that the car was working as it should when it was parked up in the garage some years ago, however it has not been started in recent times and as such some general recommissioning is required before use. Having covered little mileage from new and with a superb two owner history this example represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire an ever-desirable right hand drive 280 SL Pagoda. We expect this wonderful example to be keenly contested at auction."