1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda

A 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda finished in Bentley Silver Lake Metallic over Rolls-Royce Navy leather, this is a W113 that has been taken apart and rebuilt rather than simply refreshed. Hemmels carried out the work in 2019 under its Neugeboren programme, with every component dismantled, restored or renewed before reassembly. The 280 SL is the final and most sorted evolution of the Pagoda, and its 2.8-litre M130 inline-six gives the stronger torque and smoother delivery that set it apart from the 230 SL and 250 SL.

The specification goes beyond factory. Hemmels has fitted its Engine Performance Enhancement, the engine bay carries polished exhaust manifolds, and the car has a stainless exhaust, undercarriage lacquer protection and a discreet audio upgrade with USB charging. The 14-inch chrome wheels have colour-matched caps, the steering wheel is light ivory with a blue centre, and the car comes with a blue soft top plus a body-coloured removable hardtop on its stand.

It has covered only around 1,000 miles since the rebuild was completed, so the work remains fresh. It is a UK-supplied car with a four-speed automatic gearbox. The factory figures of 170 bhp, 9.5 seconds to 62 mph and a 125 mph top speed make it a car for relaxed touring rather than outright pace. Price is on application.