Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 113.044.12.007982
Engine No. 130.983.12.005042
Transmission No. 035090
Finished in sleek Silver Grey Metallic (180), this 280 SL completed
production on 20 February 1969 as a U.S.-specification model. The
original service booklet shows that the car was first sold by
Powers Motor Company of Morristown, New Jersey, to Dr. Islyn
Thomas, a leader in the plastic molding industry, and inducted into
the Plastic Hall of Fame in 1979. The good doctor ordered the car
with a striking Red Leather (243) interior contrasted by the
optional Ivory colored steering wheel. For added comfort and
convenience, the car was ordered with power steering, an automatic
transmission, and dealer-installed Frigiking air conditioning. For
quick and easy weather protection, the car is equipped with a
folding soft top underneath the tonneau cover and for additional
protection, a removable hard top finished in matching Silver Grey
with chrome trim strips.
Dr. Thomas retained the car until his passing in 2002 when its
second owner acquired it. Like many examples with early metallic
paintwork, the bodywork was refinished in its original Silver Grey
Metallic prior to the current owner purchasing the car in 2015 with
just under 61,000 miles, which are believed to be original. Today
the car remains in highly original condition with just a scant few
miles added under current ownership. As a sign of the quality of
the car, many factory details are still present, such as the
notches on the fenders behind the headlights and the spot welds
that are so easily erased during the restoration of the
bodywork.
Today, the Pagoda's enduring allure has cemented its status as a
highly sought-after collector's car, though few examples maintain
this level of originality. This particular model, richly optioned
and finished in an exceptionally attractive color scheme,
exemplifies the timeless elegance of mid-century design. It offers
a rare opportunity to experience the "W113" in both coupe and
roadster configurations-each so elegantly envisioned by Bela
Barenyi and Paul Bracq.
