Some years ago Colin posted a message that he was selling some cars he had kept in a barn for many years. I went to visit him at his barn, and decided to buy a Pagoda that had been rotting away for a number of years. It was an emotional decision, not a rational decision, and over the years that the restoration took place, I often questioned why I had done so. It took longer, and cost more, than expected, although COVID played a major role in this, and at the time I bought the vehicle, COVID was not a known factor. I can only speak highly of how Colin managed the project - he steered clear of creating any cost or time expectations (which was sometimes frustrating to me, but showed that he understood the highly unpredictable nature of such a project), was very transparent about what needed to be done, and put his best energies and decades of experience into this project.
I am now enjoying a very nice Pagoda, which is probably better than new in every respect. As part of the project, the vehicle was completely stripped, the remaining metal frame went into an acid bath, and then we knew what we were dealing with. New panels were procured, Colin's body shop rebuilt the body, and the engine, gearbox, diff, axles, brakes and steering were all overhauled and refreshed. All chrome was re-chromed and all plated components were replated. The FIP was rebuilt, and a Pertronix distributor was fitted. New lights were installed all round, since the old ones were too far gone. I managed to source some difficult to find elements (eg RHD original firewall pad), but generally Colin was able to source Mercedes components wherever required. Colin also rebuilt the RHD Brake Booster, using some parts that he has had manufactured.
It took a little while to shake down the car, but it is really a pleasure to drive, and turns heads wherever it goes. I thought I should put some pictures up on the site in case anyone is interested. The "before" pictures show what a sad state she was in, with extensive rust
