1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda - Mercedes-Benz Classics with Pierre Hedary

Mercedes-Benz Classics with Pierre Hedary: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda
Pierre Hedary explores the history and development of the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda line with a focus on the 280SL. Afterwards, he takes his red 1970 280SL out for a spin in Florida's Wetlands!
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[@jamestdawson]

A 280SL with a 4 speed manual and a Macintosh stereo! Sounds like heaven on the highway. Thanks again for sharing your extraordinary knowledge and expertise.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

I bought my first Mercedes a little over a year ago. I'm 58 years old and it is the most expensive car I've ever owned . . . a Caspian Blue 2005 SLK 350 Roadster with 80,000 miles for $11,200. I love driving "Mickey" each day to work commuting from Avondale, AZ to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, where I work as an Aircraft Mechanic for American Airlines. I so much appreciate this video, as one day I would truly love to own a 280 SL. What inspired me to look at purchasing a Mercedes a little over a year ago, was spying a 230 SL on the freeway while driving to work. I was so captivated by the lines on that beautiful tan Pagoda I immediately began researching the make. I was further inspired by a ride from a co-worker in his 2003 S 500. I was stunned to learn that thousands of decent used Mercedes were available for under 12 grand. I am so very happy I bought my Blue Mickey and truly love to drive him everyday. If I should be financially blessed in the future, I should love to own a 280 SL. Thanks so much for sharing this video. P.S. I've posted several "How To" videos on various repairs to the SLK Roadster if anyone may benefit from them ;)

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

thank you Michael! Enjoy your SLK!!!

[@shankarbalan3813]

I do hope you get to buy your 280 one day!

[@wbheald]

Your passion for Mercedes is addictive. When I’m in one, I not so much seeing the car as much as I’m seeing all the engineering that it took to put it in my hands.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

thank you. It's true...i also love the way the cars feel and sound

[@ronb1057]

I did a full ground up restoration on a 1967 W113 (250SL - California Classic Roadster) and it was a lot of fun. Some parts were difficult to procure but most were still available through MB. It was a very satisfying project.

[@brockwilson5485]

Love the Pagoda + McIntosh. Excellent combo!!

[@jondouglas9568]

more videos on the road with the cars!!! This is great seeing the car in action

[@csfm00]

Elegantly described 👌🏼

[@abechtelclassicmotors]

Don't we all love this classic car? A timeless beauty!

[@libra42ful]

In my opinion this is the best automobile ever, expensive? Yes, but what the car gives back to you is just, so, abundant...for so many different kinds of people/personalities....You could drive this as an everydayer if ya wanted...makes a great second car for the parents with a family (my Dad drove this as his everyday car, and when they would go out, and Mom had the station wagon)...Single? Then there is no substitute for the "Pagoda", it has a trunk that is quite large, for weekend getaways, with, well, whoever...The lines of this car are perfect from any angle, front to back, it's literally rolling artwork, it's classy, sexy, fun, and even functional, all at the same time, just depends on who's driving it, and how they're feeling at the time, it's like the car can transform to your emotions, feelings, needs, without physically changing at all.... it's an automobile, that emotionally attaches itself TO You... It's that damn perfect, it just appeals to the masses...You can't help but see, as well as feel, the beauty of it

[@davebarron5939]

When I was 21 years old, in 1983 I flew out to Tucson AZ. to work. I was driving and found myself behind the most beautiful car I had ever seen. It turned out to be a 1970 280 SL. and I have been in love ever since. It is magnificent from any angle, in any color combination, unlike any other car in the world.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

YES!!!!

[@leohagan]

Drove a blue 73 model across the Sydney harbour Bridge while playing Jumpin Jack Flash at sunset.....bucket list tick!

[@randymastin9612]

Your videos and helpful answers allow the average home mechanic like me keep my Mercedes on the road!!

[@serenedreams4611]

Fantastic Car,Beautiful Color,Gorgeous Dash,and sonorous symphony of exhaust sounds.I could of bought a badly faded green 67 250sl,in 2008 right after the start of Recession for 5 Grand,I regret that only slightly less than the white 61 220 se coupe for 700,that needed a fuel pump.With Old Mercedes Classics,You,think you may never get another Great deal,n then some day,some where,it will appear,I learned my lesson,Buy,before u Cry.Anyway,Excellent Drive,your a very lucky man,getting to drive such masterpieces of automotive art.

[@paachi]

Nice video. I love the fact that you have a McIntosh MX406 in it :))

[@charlietannous2163]

Great video mate👍 I just bought a 1970 280 sl from California ! It's Gonna be living in Melbourne Australia soon can't wait to get it 😍

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

awesome. Charlie!

[@vallantwilliams1235]

Cool

[@johnjmeister]

Nice video Pierre. Didn't know you did them. I couldn't agree more, I love driving mine and take it out all the time. Hope to see you up at the Jamboree this year. John

[@ronb1057]

Where is the Jamboree? I'd love to go.

[@kiwiwifi]

All Pagodas are to die for. If it came with pedals, I’d still take one. Reins and a mule. Yup, still want one.

[@jeeper5264]

I love my Sl...the sound at 3k and above i just perfect...LOVE IT

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

yes, when the cam comes on!!

[@Tara-Waxingshop]

Great Documentary on the W113... Have one myself

[@mb250sl]

Pierre’s passion (and knowledge) of our cars is genuine and sincere. I recently “met” Pierre online and spoke to him by phone. Pierre recently provided me with much needed guidance and recommendations concerning a starting issue on my 68 250SL. In a word, he “cares”. Period. Thank you! Tony

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

you're welcome!

[@izskilzix]

Bravo on sorting the computer issues, video is amazing. Thank you again for all your information

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

hahah we are trying

[@kermitefrog64]

I agree with the fun of driving a Mercedes. I have a 240d with a 4 speed manual and it is a kick in the head and still provides me a daily driver because these cars need to be driven.

[@rbruce63]

I had a 1984 BMW 318 I (E30) and I performed most of the maintenance. I even wrote a letter (in that era) to European Car Magazine and got it answered about a malfunction with the cold idle of my BMW. So it seems that by working on them you get involved and appreciate what they give to you as opposed to a Honda (which I had and worked on it at least adjusting the valve clearances) or a Toyota. My 1984 BMW is still on the road, but my 1993 Honda is not, despite the fact that it gave me trouble free 375,000 Km.

[@verdict1163]

Can't believe McIntosh made a head unit for these. That's awesome.

[@leventak911]

Are there parts available for these old models from MB? Or engine parts if needed?

[@ItsTimePictures]

This is definitely the type of video I want to see from you. Truly outstanding. I watched this from China. Landed last week and needed my Mercedes fix! Had to view via a VPN and it wasn't easy. I hope he will do a comprehensive video on the SEC's at some point. After all, that's my car LOL!

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

thank you!!

[@nateo2131]

I once drove a 1968 280SL. I never felt so one with a car. One can only understand if you have driven. The same with so many other older Mercedes. It is all about the car feels in your hands.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

thank you Nate! enjoy your 280SL!!

[@JoePastorgomez]

Pierre I really enjoyed the Video , 280 SL ? Want LOL

[@kiwiwifi]

Pagodas enchant their owners.

[@faizrahman7671]

love these videos but why does it feel like im tripping on acid watching these

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

haha...I feel that wya when I'm amking them

[@joshconzemius]

Haha!! Great video!

[@richarddavenport31]

MY DAD'S EYE SURGEON IN PORTLAND, OREGON HAD ONE IN THE 1971 AND HE COLLIDED ONE DAY WITH A CHEVROLET AND DIED. THE WRECKED WHITE 280SL DEATH CAR WAS PICTURED IN THE NEWSPAPERS. THE DR'S NAME WAS CHENOWITH. IT WAS A SAD DAY, AND I REMEMBER PILL BOTTLES WITH THE DRS NAME ON IT AT HOME!!!!!

[@Matt_from_Florida]

My grandfather bought 3 brand-new W113s from the Peter Gregg Mercedes dealership back in the mid/late 60s & early 1970s. He also had an Amphicar that it was my job to wash in return for him driving it down the boat-ramp and making the people fishing from the adjacent bridge wet their pants.

[@kellymorgan1715]

And excuse me if i am wrong that thing is not fragile dont get me wrong Alfas & Ferraris i get but that Mercedes german build quality is something special!! Found an old 67 230 fintale as a teen . i restored & big regrets for letting it go! The build quality captured me even in 1967?

[@killerkalleausmkiez1676]

You should also introduce an early R129 1991 for example

[@v8aj]

I get what you mean about people buying these cars and not using them, I tend to buy cars that are solid but the paint and interior aren't perfect I give them lots of love mechanically and drive them everywhere. I've covered 45k miles in my 280C all over europe and as a summer daily in the past 5 years, I've thought about respraying it and replacing all the chrome etc but it would ruin the experience of owning it if I was too worried about keeping it mint. I'm potentially about to make a move on a Pagoda and the plan is to do exactly the same thing with that!

[@firechief33317]

Nice video. I can't tell if your glasses or the windshield is dirtier.

[@RBEmerson]

I remain in lust for this car even if I'm already nursing a project: 90 VW Vanagon Westphalia. Worse, there's an MB restorer around the corner, with SL temptation often parked in front...

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

a 230SL is about half the price and the same amount of fun...don;t give up!

[@Caju10jose]

I have always said that cars are toys for adults and are happier when they receive a toy that others do not have.

[@Fausto_moh]

i missed out an opportunity to buy this car and im regretting it so bad.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

): I'm sorry to hear that

[@ILCapo-mo5jj]

Hello, Pierre! I’m into MB, older Rollers and older Ferraris, now considering either a 190 SL or a 280 Pagoda. Which would you prefer? I’m also offered an Adenauer, don’t know which but it’s not a D. It’s in mechanically decent shape but as always, I expect surprises.. The interior is flawless but a couple of cracks in the paint on the rear fender. The owner has had it looked after by his own mechanics. He says 40.000$ but will likely budge. Should I become a custodian of this Adenauer?

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

email me at [e-mail]....I have more questions.

[@280SE]

I’ve got a Pagoda and 190SL I can honestly say I would choose the Pagoda every time

[@mrbocaraton]

I have a 1970 280 SL that is about 75% complete - I'm in South Florida. Do you know of anyone that can finish the project. I needs interior and wiring finished. I have all the leather and a new MB wiring harness.

[@kiwiwifi]

You are describing a Halo car. It’s still the only small sports coupe that a 6+ Ft. person can drive comfortably

[@allwinds3786]

In '71 my dad had one for a week, my mom "made" him trade it in for a w115 diesel 🤔 it was ok because he had a 20 mile commute in suburban Chicago

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

220d is still a great car...that video is coming soon

[@samanbehnam7359]

Where can I find info to swap my M130 for a 3.5 4.5

[@birchsgarage8742]

I can tell you a fair amount of the info since i have researched alot about installing a m116 into my w111 fintail which is very similar to this cars chassis. I have some parts for the swap depending what chassis you are putting it into. I sell vintage mercedes parts as a side business. Not working on customer cars or trying to step on pierre's toes ! [e-mail]

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

Jason, it's fine, don;t worry!

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

There isn;t much. You will need the 1972 intro to service manual, for starters, so you can get a wirirng diagram. WHta kind of car would you be installing a 117 into?

[@atos.nympha3451]

It sound like a 4 speed motor

[@allwinds3786]

You should mention that the Datsun 280Z is a nearly exact mechanical copy.

[@serenedreams4611]

Donald Schneider thats true,i had 4 z,s,the engines were bulletproof,d bodies,no good,but very fun to drive,with good gas mileage.Albert Goetz designed it.

[@mrconstable1908]

How sad that currently, 18 idiots didn't appreciate one of the finest cars in the world !

[@klwthe3rd]

Sadly this is one video that I probably disagree with Pierre on the conversation of this car being obtainable by the average collector. Pierre runs into these cars a lot more than me so he probably knows best but whenever I see one of these at shows or on the road(very rare), they all seem to be a complete frame off restoration cars that cost $200,000 plus. I never see the daily driver conditions 280SL's that might be priced at $45,000 to $60,000. As I said, I'm not saying they don't exist but these cars seem to be the holy grail of Mercedes Benz collectors second only to the gullwings.

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

the daily driver level pagodas are out there...they move through the market faster....but they are there. In 2013 I bought my 280 for a reasonable 40k,,,,,but regardless thank you for the input.

[@stricht8]

The driver category pagodas are definitely out there. Mine is just that- a few dings, some rust, a worn soft top, etc, but that’s why I like it! I can take it on trips and not really worry!

[@280SE]

I bought a great 230SL in 2015 from California and shipped it to UK which costed me £17k in total. I loved it so much but sold it cuz I needed the £ 😭

[@chriselley2261]

I bought a 1970 280 SL in 1996 for $14k - the kind of nice driver that would go for $75k today. It was my daily driver until 2012 when I switched to an EV for free parking at work. Almost ten years later she’s off getting a nut-and-bolt rebuild to like-new condition. Can’t wait to get her back!

[@HH-fl5xn]

I know your a specialist/mechanic on this car, but if you truly knew what’s really going on with this car you wouldn’t have noticeable minor details, your radio is incorrect, the 280sl’s had the Becker GP or just a standard Becker, and also your dash board has a weird emblem on it.

[@ismailmarhfour4720]

chris griffin

[@ashleygordon3467]

Why do so many US Pagoda's have those horrible bumper over-riders? They really distract from the clean lines of the car. I know about the mandated head lights, which also do nothing good for the look of the car, but the over-riders?

[@faultlessfrank]

Same reason - the US DOT standards were different from the German and that was the easiest way to meet them. Look carefully - some of these are stock (at least they came from MB) and others were aftermarket (which are bigger) as folks would add them or replace the stock ones after they got bent or otherwise damaged. The after market ones are too big (seems to me).

[@ASLUHLUHCE]

Haha why is the interior going all jelly

[@mercedesclassicswithpierre1753]

florida is hot

[@P.Galore]

Around 2000 you could have bought as many of these as you waanted for around $20k. Now?.....Heyzeus Krispy!