“Their engineering excellence, durability, and timeless design ensure ongoing demand,” he said. “Classic cars, particularly Mercedes-Benz models, have outperformed many traditional assets in recent years.”

This particular 1968 Pagoda has an extraordinary backstory, having been owned for many years by Josef Pfoser, a master restorer and Mercedes-Benz classic specialist.

Pfoser, a founding partner of German Autohaus, bought the Pagoda from a client in the early 2000s. Over the years, he would take the car on weekend drives with his wife, Annamarie, enjoying those special moments together.

Eventually, Josef decided it was time to restore the car.

“I’ve always had a deep love for this car,” said Pfoser. “It wasn’t just about making it look good. It was about restoring it with respect to the original specifications. We took our time with no rush, and with an enormous amount of love and professional skill, we turned it into a concours-level vehicle.”

The restoration was, as Pfoser described, a “nut-and-bolt” process.

“Every single part was removed, and either made new or replaced by an original part from Germany. There’s nothing that hasn’t been touched. It’s better than when it came out of the factory,” he proudly stated.

Despite the extensive work, Pfoser had hardly driven the car, estimating it had covered fewer than 1,000 kilometres in total. “I’ve barely driven it. It’s been in the family for nearly 20 years, and I’ve cherished every moment with it,” he explained.

The vehicle comes with both hard and soft tops for year-round versatility, a factory wind deflector for a smooth open-top driving experience, and the original owner’s manual for authenticity.

Finished in stunning silver, with a rich oxblood leather interior and matching soft top, this 280SL Pagoda exudes sophistication and class. From every angle, it’s a true head-turner.

Derrick, who has spent over 40 years in the classic car business, declared it the finest Pagoda he had ever seen.

“The underneath of the car looks better than the top!” he said. “It’s beyond factory standards. This is a globally accepted concours-level car.”

tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za

Weekend Argus

vintage

Rare vintage gem: The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda auctioned in South Africa