"The 190 SL was a beautiful design and, seemingly, impossible to follow. However, in 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster. The 230 SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq-designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language. The lines were more crisp with weight saved by the increased use of aluminium panels. In 1967, Mercedes- Benz introduced the third and final iteration of the 'Pagoda', the 280 SL, which, the purists will tell you, finally gave the Pagoda adequate power. This came from a robust 2.8 litre, six cylinder engine with Bosch fuel injection and, combined with eminently capable handling, decent disc brakes all round, made for wonderful driver’s cars. I have no hesitation in describing this superb example as one of the finest available today. Forming the cornerstone of an extremely high quality private collection, this was sent to Mercedes-Benz specialists, ‘German Autohaus’ and completely stripped back to bare metal in 2004 and then became the subject of a painstaking rotisserie restoration. Repainted back to its correct cream colour with a contrasting tan interior, the work was instructed to reflect a motorcar in ‘concours’ condition. All parts and assemblies have been overhauled including, but not confined to all suspension, engine & gearbox and differential. Parts found to be in poor condition were replaced by new items. The interior was re-upholstered and all chrome was re-chromed. The result won, unsurprisingly, prizes wherever it went. There is even an image on file of the underside being polished. With just 3,000 miles travelled since these works took place and comprehensive servicing undertaken during that time, this example, complete with hardtop, could certainly not be recreated for the asking price attached."