1971 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Pagoda

Built in 1971, this 280 SL is a late-production example of the W113 'Pagoda', the last and most usable of the SL line before the R107 arrived. It pairs the 2.8-litre fuel-injected straight-six with the optional automatic gearbox, which suits the car's relaxed grand-touring character. The finish is Anthracite Grey Metallic over Cognac leather, a restrained and period-appropriate combination.

The history is unusually well documented for a car of this age. UK-supplied through Mercedes-Benz of Northampton, it was bought new by a jockey for his wife and stayed in regular use until 1995. It then sat in storage for around a decade before a professional restoration in the late 2000s, with the same family retaining ownership throughout. The car is recorded as having had four owners from new, and shows just 12,500 miles.

More recently, SL specialist The SL Shop carried out a cosmetic overhaul that included a full repaint and a complete interior retrim. Combined with the low mileage and continuous family stewardship, it makes for a strong example of a model whose values have climbed steadily as the best cars have been absorbed into collections.