I, a long time fan of the pagoda SL's, recently made the jump with my partner. We are now the owners of a 1970 280 SL navy with ivory interior.
The car is every bit as beautiful and comfortable as imagined but i had no idea how amazing till this weekend. We drove the car from Sydney to Canberra here in Australia ( approx 250km) and it was marvelous. The car ran so smoothly but what was truly amazing was how viceral the whole experience was. The SL connects you not only to the road but to the entire environment. On saturday morning we left early to get a jump on some predicted foul weather. As we entered the southern highlands we came into a canyon of fog. The temperature dropped and as the heat came on in the car the smells around us were sublime. The leather of the interior, the hint of the exhaust, the mix of the fresh mist and the warm smell of the heater. It made me realize for the first time why there are so many devotees on here. We bought the car for the asthetics but are now helplessly smitten by its joyous performance. the engine is so smooth and powerful at speed it is more athletic than cars a fraction of its age. I enjoy the way it drives on the streets of Sydney but just love it on the open road.
I needed to post just to say thanks. I came to this site to get an idea of what to expect in case we decided to buy. I was surprised by the wealth of information and the dedication of the pagoda owners on the site. For the first time I understand why. The envious glances of the motorists we owners pass on the freeways and country roads of the world are deeper than even they know. If they had any idea how great it feels to drive one the asking prices would be double what they are.
Happy to be one of you
Howard
Paddington NSW
Australia
