Pagodas first, what's second, third?

[JPMOSE]

I always dreamed of a W111 Cab and purchased one in the summer of '10.   I never expected to own a 3.5!  Between it and the Pagoda, I go back and forth on which one I like better.  The Pagoda has no cowl shake at all, while the 280SE 3.5 has a small amount (typical of a larger cabin).  The 3.5 has a lot more power!    The Pagoda is more sexy, while the 3.5 is more stately.  They are both a joy!

[Eryck]

My Pagoda is definitely the first - like the wife - the other two cars may be sexier and perform better but they will never take over the wife's position and will always remain mistresses.   The mistresses (not in any order) are: 1985 BMW M6 and 1963 Corvette Stingray -  split window coupe. 

[glenn]

Jesse, re: the Cougar.  Is it an up scale version of the Mustang?  roomier, plusher(?), more power, better handling, etc???
and better looking in some ways------

[66andBlue]

Here are my favorites, in the correct order from top (#1) down.

[ljg]

Recently an automotive magazine ran an article in which various contributors listed their favorite vehicles.  Interestingly there was little correlation between lists.  When I was in college, I read an article describing the Ferrari 330 GTC.  To me it was as ideal an automobile as I had ever seen.  Ten years ago I purchased a 9800 original mile GTC from the first owner.  Today it has 10,970 miles and is still my favorite.  The Pagoda has much in common with the Ferrari.  They are both beautifully built, elegant in design,  wonderful glass area, etc.  As a kid, I coveted the Pagoda but alas, my family was unable to afford the steep price.  My 14,000 mile 280 SL (tobacco/bamboo) will sit next to the GTC indefinitely.
I have owned 4 E-Types and they simply don't compare to our beloved Pagodas.  I also have owned a BMW 3.0CSi-too big and a 2+2. My 246 Dino must rate with the most interesting.
I drove a 1972 Porsche 911T while in medical school. It was beautifully built and certainly  a classic.
I do have a 4000 mile 1996 Porsche 993 which will never be a collectible but is a very well built and classically styled car.
What would I like to own (but never will).  Ferrari 275 GTB4, Ferrari Lusso, Gullwing, Miura SV, etc.
The Pagoda is a gem-just enjoy them.
ljg

[Shvegel]

I don't know if most of you would consider it a "Sports" car but I have a 2002 BMW 5 series Touring(station wagon) with sport package that is my daily driver. I just picked her up from a 5 week stay at the airport and it put a smile on my face. I've owned over 100 cars and it's really an all around great car.

[daffern1]

There are a lot of you who have some wonderful cars! We've got a bit of a mixture in our garage: the '69 280SL of course, then our '58 Speedster, a '88 928 (modified), the wife's '05 Carrera S daily driver, and my '12 BMW X5M. I had to sell my '74 Alpina 3.0CS to make room for the Speedster and I wish I could have kept it - I really miss it.

I thought long and hard about a 365 or 330 GTC instead of the Speedster. The GTC is a fabulous car and reminds me of a streamlined CS. But I wanted a car I could afford to run in my retirement years and the thought of having to pay for an engine or transmission rebuild, let alone body work, in my dotage scared me off.

The Speedster and the 280SL are the cars we'll keep for fun in the future.

[dseretakis]

73 BMW 2002. Still in project status. Needs a nose transplant. Never really drove it yet.

[VincentR]

Hi All,

I owned one red Triumph Spitfire 1966 MK2 (that I fully restored from dec 2000 to may 2002), one MGBGT 1980 (rubber bumper) unrestored and just to go to some meetings where I don't want any risks for my silver Pagoda 280sl 1970 (that I fully restored between jul 2006 to sept 2008) nor the Spitfire.

Best regards.
Vincent R
(France).

[VincentR]

Sorry Guys,

Please read : I own and not owned...

Regards.
Vincent R.

[ricrose]

This tread has been fascinating - nothing older than the 50's seems to be on the radar. When we bought the Pagoda we (notice the careful use of plural  ) chose a 230sl auto so that the true boss can drive it easily. Over the years we have restored many vintage cars - mainly in the 1920 - 1930 range, often driving them long distances.

Currently the Pagoda shares with a 1926 Chrysler Imperial roadster (E80), with a special order long wheel base. It was the first Imperial and the same model driven by Louis Chevrolet as the pace car in the 1926 Indy. A huge, imposing and heavy roadster. No power steering takes on a whole new meaning. Great fun to drive, it feels like the car is on rails with over 2 tons on 20" wire wheels.

It is impossible to compare the two as they are SO different. I think as I get a bit older the comfort and the fact that the Pagoda actually stops makes it the one I'll keep above all else.

Oh - also a 1965 powder blue, 2 stoke 150cc Vespa, just for something different.

[jpsenft]

My garage contains a 1981 DeLorean, 1988 35th Anniv Corvette, 2009 Saturn Sky Limited Edition Redline, 1995 Harley WideGllide, as well as my 65 SL.  Outside is a 2002 Chrysler 300M, 2003 Saab 9-5 Turbo, and 2007 Suburban.  SL is my baby!

Jim in Maryland

[john.mancini]

I just added a 2011 Boxster Spyder to my garage. Fast, head turning looks, and red! My 69 Pagoda is still my favorite!
John

[71Beige280SL]

I am on a quest for a 1974 BMW 2002tii and a 60ish Porsch 356. Wide spectrum in price but, got to have them in the stable!

[thelews]

I am on a quest for a 1974 BMW 2002tii and a 60ish Porsch 356. Wide spectrum in price but, got to have them in the stable!

Why do you want the big bumper, square taillight 2002 instead of a roundie?
The 356 you pictured would cost about $225K or more.

[71Beige280SL]

I had a '74 2002tii in high school. Loved that car. Great sentimental value and was pretty quick for its day. Still like the 356. Who doesn't!  As I've searched, a hard top 356, in decent shape, seem to be in the range of $50-70K. Brian Peter's at Motoring Investments had a beautiful red one in that price range. The search is part of the fun. I'll keep looking. 

[66andBlue]

In December this company had an original, 1-owner, unrestored 356 - 90 (not super 90) in your price range: http://www.caporsche.net/
It was tempting!!
I believe it has sold now.

[Bonnyboy]

What else do I have

I don't drive my Pagoda yet - still taking it slow (Thanks for the advice Dr Benz)

My insured fleet includes:  Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 with a Hemi (regular family wagon), a couple old 750 Honda motorcycles, a Triumph 500 motocrcycle and my current favourite and newest toy a 2009 Honda Ruckus Scooter.  I rotate the fleet weekly depending on weather, purpose of trip  and the heck of it. 

My uninsured family includes the pagoda, a 75 MGB (trying to give it to my kids), a 1966 Triumph Bonneville (gonna hang it on my wall I think),  and a 2005 Honda Jazz Scooter (for my daughters) all in need of resurection.  A wee bit happening on the Pagoda and nothing on the others since the Pagoda entered my life.    Most have a long progression of ownership in my name - I got the Hondas when I was 12 and 16, got the MGB when I was 19 and thrashed it until I was 25, the Triumphs when I was 33 and 35 and I knew that I would someday have a Pagoda when I was 22.    I go through a used truck every couple years as I progressively get a larger and larger RV to keep my wife and children happy. 

I have had a few BMW 2002s, MGBs, Honda Civics, and several other motorcycles that didn't have enough sentimental value to keep.

Ian in North Vancouver

[thelews]

I had a '74 2002tii in high school. Loved that car. Great sentimental value and was pretty quick for its day. Still like the 356. Who doesn't!   As I've searched, a hard top 356, in decent shape, seem to be in the range of $50-70K. Brian Peter's at Motoring Investments had a beautiful red one in that price range. The search is part of the fun. I'll keep looking.  

I'd still go with the roundie.

A very nice 356 Coupe is in the $50K range.  Driver levels can be had in the 30-45 area.  They can go all the way up to $100K (very rare for a coupe) but I think you're high.  I have a 356C.  Brian's prices skew to the high side.

[john.mancini]

Hello 71 Beige 280SL,
Ironically, I sold that red 356 SC to Brian. It turned out that it needed a ton of work. I got taken on that car and was not happy with the outcome.  The best 356 I ever owned, by far, was built by Intermeccanica. Incredible and far superior to any 356 I owned. I know, it wasn't a real one, but even the 356 experts loved it.
John

[Montreal V8]

   My recently acquired '71 280SL manual four speed replaced a '66  Jaguar E Type Roadster that I owned for 40 years. No point in trying a "comparison", as they are two totally different cars. Suffice it to say I'm delighted with the Pagoda.
  I also have a '71 Alfa Montreal , and an '87 Chev El Camino. Several motorcycles, including a Vincent Rapide, a '77 MV Agusta Monza, and a '70 Honda CB750, that I bought new in April 1970.   ------  Life is good !!
  Cheers, Dale.

[JPMOSE]

I forgot to mention my 1987 560SL that's in fine condition.   I have a soft spot for this car because it was the current SL when I received my driver's license in 1974.  Little did I know it was still be the current model when I was 32 as well!!!  I sold my 560SEL last weekend and it looked new. 

Other cars that I've had in the past:  1956 Lincoln Premiere Coupe with factory air; 1957 Thunderbird; 1962, 1964 and 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertibles; 1969 Lincoln with rare Town Car option (first year for this option);  Continental Mark III, V and VI; 1981 Mercedes 300SD and a 1965 Jaguar.

[knockmacool]

Seems we gravitate towards similar things. I drove a 2002 square lamps for about 6 months and owned a 356A with a Super90 engine. Both great cars, especially the A coupe!

[71Beige280SL]

Sorry, haven't hit the site for a while!

66andBlue - CAPorsche appears to have some great cars. Anyone have experience with them?

thelews - I admit the roundie is a classic. I would have zero issues buying one. Your 356C is stunning!

john.mancini - Sorry about the outcome on your 356SC. I didn't drive it but, sat in it. Interior finish looked outstanding. If it is any consolation, it was the car that made me say, "I have to have one". So, when my wife says, "Why not a newer car?" I'll say, "blame john.mancini"    

[Ulf]

Whooops, just bought a really tatty 1984 230E (w123) for my wife because I'm tired of her leaving a mess in my BMW. The seller told me to either buy it or he would break it and ship it to Lebanon as spares...