Pagoda 280SL

Anan1

I'm thinking of buying one of these. I don't want a concours car by any means, but I do want a good, solid, usable one. LHD or a US import would be fine. What can I expect to pay?

Paul (MN)

20k?+

PaulK_CCI

20k-25k gets you a OK to reasonable condition car, not a show winner but a reasonably tidy example in solid condition with no structural rust, and that could be improved in time with detailling.

25-30 gets you a very nice example in very good overall condition and lovely detailling all round.

30-35 gets you a mint example with anything over 35k for Superbly original, unrestored, and history present spotless and well maintained car.

Under 20k is a car that will need some sort or restoration immediately or in the very near future...

If you are seriously interested check the cars on my website:

http://www.classiccarsireland.nl/autos_detail.asp?ID=82

There's currently only one, because I hadnt had the time to upload more, but my source for SL's here in Holland currently has approx 25 Pagoda SL ranging from restoration cars to absolute minters!!! Contact me for more specific details.

MercMad

There are plenty at carzone.ie too under the classic section !

As Paul says prices vary. Buy one with a solid body, with proof that it's been restored properly if not obviously original. Rust in the sill extremities and behind the headlamps is very expensive to replace !

I've just spent €4000 on mine......................and thats just for the parts !

Mechanically they are robust and parts are widely available. Chrome is expensive too and if you do look at one make sure you try starting it from stone cold and then again from hot !

Problems here can be tricky to sort out, but I can help you there !

Finally decide in advance whether you want an auto or manual, the 280SL is the better auto (more torque) whilst a 230SL manual is far more sporty due to its more aggressive cam profile and stiffer suspension.

Good luck !

Anan1

Thanks for that, guys, I'll keep you posted! Is a LHD US car worth much less than a RHD one? One other question - is there someon in the Dublin area to whom you would recommend that I entrust servicing?

MercMad

Thanks for that, guys, I'll keep you posted! Is a LHD US car worth much less than a RHD one? One other question - is there someon in the Dublin area to whom you would recommend that I entrust servicing?

The market for LHD is obviously bigger and a lot of cars are shipped worldwide but its really up to you. Personally I would want LHD at any cost, but if its purely a fun car then condition would dictate price either way !

Servicing..........I do my own and work on a few others in the area. I also have a few other contacts for these cars so its not a problem. Do not let anyone touch it if they are not familiar, the fuel injection system needs cvareful setting up !

Anan1

MercMad wrote:

The market for LHD is obviously bigger and a lot of cars are shipped worldwide but its really up to you. Personally I would want LHD at any cost, but if its purely a fun car then condition would dictate price either way !

Servicing..........I do my own and work on a few others in the area. I also have a few other contacts for these cars so its not a problem. Do not let anyone touch it if they are not familiar, the fuel injection system needs cvareful setting up !

Would you be prepared to do work on a car that I bought? If so, prehaps you could PM me your number. I'm looking seriously at a particular car, one which does need a certain amount of work.

MercMad

Would you be prepared to do work on a car that I bought? If so, prehaps you could PM me your number. I'm looking seriously at a particular car, one which does need a certain amount of work.

............no probs !

PM sent !

Daxklynsmith

Sorry, off the thread, but Paul, you have BMW 3.0 CS on your books, please pm me
thanks
Dax

PaulK_CCI

Daxklynsmith wrote:

Sorry, off the thread, but Paul, you have BMW 3.0 CS on your books, please pm me
thanks
Dax

PM sent