Mercedes SL230,250,280 Pagoda

[tarks63]

Don`t know whether i am in the right forum here but i am looking at venturing into the Mercedes Pagoda world from TVR and then Aston Martin.
Can anyone furnish me with useful info on the differences,better model,things to watch for etc.Silchester cars seem to deal with a few and any recommended gargaes would be useful.
There seem to be a fair few around so are obviously pretty solid and reliable.
My alternative is looking at late 80`s early 90`s Porsche`s.
I will copy this into the classic forum just to cover my butt.
Thanks in advance for any advice.

[74merc]

I don't think there's much to choose between the 3 engines however 280SLs with auto and PAS are the most sought after and therefore the most expensive. I would primarily buy on condition alone as parts and restoration costs are very expensive too. Join the offical club www.mercedes-benz-club.co.uk and do your research. They have a monthly magazine which is very good too. As for the garage you mention, they get mixed reviews. The recommended garage by the club for Pagodas is Roger Edwards Motors.

[tarks63]

Thanks for the info.You have confirmed what the so called experts say.
What would we all do without Pistonhead forums.
Thanks again, appreciate the help and advice. Will now start my pondering.
Regards
Tarquin

[corporalsparrow]

For the best there is try silver arrows, charles ironside, cheshire classic benz and mercedes-crawley. Have I left anyone out?

[r129sl]

corporalsparrow said:

For the best there is try silver arrows, charles ironside, cheshire classic benz and mercedes-crawley. Have I left anyone out?

Silchester Garage. Classic Benz.

[Badboy930]

I had a 280SL for a while.....nice car but not a nice driver, ended up with a 911 having had a bentley t2 in the intervening period, another horrible driver.

Got offered a 129 SL60 today..

[erics]

The SL shop in Redditch.
My understanding is that r107s are nicer drivers. And considerably cheaper. Look-wise... well this is personal.

r129sl said:

corporalsparrow said:

For the best there is try silver arrows, charles ironside, cheshire classic benz and mercedes-crawley. Have I left anyone out?

Silchester Garage. Classic Benz.

[kilarney]

Badboy930 said:

I had a 280SL for a while.....nice car but not a nice driver, ended up with a 911 having had a bentley t2 in the intervening period, another horrible driver.

Got offered a 129 SL60 today..

I have never driven an R129 that drives as well as it looks and doubt the sl60 breaks the mould, I bought a new r129 in 2000 and it lasted exactly 3 months. Comfortable, beautiful and well built but poor drive especially with the hardtop off.