Mercedes-Benz Pagoda for Sale

Upon its launch at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda inspired envious glances from industry rivals. With its sleek looks and impeccable pedigree, this elegant little roadster exemplified the carefree spirit of the sixties. It captured the imaginations of 48,000 consumers during its eight year production period.

Mercedes-Benz Pagoda: History of the Model

Delivering an irresistible fusion of exceptional comfort and premium performance, the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda offered a taste of continental luxury.

From its earliest incarnation, 1963's 230 SL, (which earned the nickname 'Pagoda' in recognition of the concave curve of its detachable coupé roof, which resembled a Japanese temple), right through to 1968's 280 SL, the design team continued to innovate, but the focus was always firmly rooted in practicality.

Built upon a fuel-injected inline-six engine and delivering a top speed of 120MPH, the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda was famed for its superb handling. Paul Bracq's innovative roof design allowed for larger windows and unparalleled visibility, ensuring that it was the ideal vehicle for swanning around and taking in the continental scenery on a grand tour of Europe.

Mercedes-Benz Pagoda: Security Innovations

The appeal of the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Under the hawklike eye of Bela Barényi, (known throughout the industry as 'the father of passive safety'), the design team constructed a chassis which would ensure maximum protection for its occupants. In the event of a serious accident or rollover, the rigidity of the concave roof provided structural support, limiting damage to an absolute minimum.

As the first sportscar to feature a safety body comprising a rigid passenger cell together with front and rear crumple zones, the 230SL set a new benchmark for driver safety.

Mercedes-Benz Pagoda: Famous Owners and Movie Appearances

Its stunningly seductive looks ensured that the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda found favour with many of the leading stars of sixties stage and screen, from Hollywood legends like Tony Curtis and Charlton Heston to cheeky British upstarts like John Lennon.

Sophia Loren's appearance in the 1966 thriller 'Arabesque' cemented the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda's place in cinematic history. Audiences watched spellbound as the exquisite Miss Loren drove a flaming red Pagoda, and the car became an instantly recognisable icon of sixties sex appeal.

More recently, the Pagoda has co-starred alongside Angelina Jolie (in 'Life or Something Like It') and Richard Gere ('Intersection'), and in TV series such as 'Mad Men'.

Fifty-five years on from its debut, the timeless elegance of the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda continues to attract celebrity admirers, with John Travolta, Kate Moss and Harry Styles regularly snapped in their beloved Pagodas.