Porsche 356 vs MB 230-280SL (Pagoda Roof)

[Paul W]

Guys interested in your opinions...

I’m toying with the idea of another purchase, which will be for my wife. She loves classic convertibles, the Pagoda Roof Benz (W113) and the 356 convertible being particular favorites. I've no experience with either, other than having driven nice examples of both, so have no idea what I’m potentially letting myself in for.

This car will be a poser, performance and handling isn't a huge issue only condition and originality. Anything I buy will be close to concourse, RHD and Aus delivered.

I’d appreciate your thoughts or experiences on owning either of these vehicles as well as any pointers on what to look for, or to avoid.

Thanks

[Merv]

Paul I had a 280SL for some years and it was a fabulous car. A bit 'wooden' to drive but always a great 'sense of occasion' and very reliable. Parts a plenty and a decent aftermarket range available. The fit of the hood/s and the absence of rust under the screen are the critical things that I recall. The seats can be re-sprung to be more supportive and the auto' is pretty bullet proof.

[Paul W]

Thanks Merv

[SIR70t]

280SL / 250SL in my opinion are cars with a great sense of presence whilst parked or moving , great cruisers

[markymark_1968]

Paul, FWIW I have been thinking similar thoughts myself recently. I loved the idea of having a 356 cab, but I just don't think you can get an honest one without spending heaps of cash! There is quite a few that have been "bodged" including a few that are on carsales at the moment that started life as Karman Coupes (which were basically a cab with a welded on hardtop) that are now representing themselves as cabs. I have no doubt that they drive just the same as a normal cab, but they are what they are and not the real thing... and if you get one that needs body work, have your chequebook ready! I have done the sums...

Now...I have a mate that has a few old cars, including a '68 911, a 356SC cabriolet and a 280SL pagoda (he has a big garage) and we had this exact conversation before christmas. He said that as much as he loves his Porsches, he would drive the Pagoda every day and twice on Sundays - he just loves it & says it is just the most perfectly usable, easy to live-with car! Hope this helps!

[PD Targa]

Paul, before I purchased my targa I was looking at a pagoda. Original RHD 230SL for $50k. The only reason why I didn't purchase it was the lack of rear seating. Having three young boys rear seating was a must. Now the pagoda is on my bucket list.

[Paul W]

Wooden is a great description for the handling of the Benz, but I think it contributes to that ‘solid’, comfortable feel that’s intrinsic to the car. Also really like the idea of FI on the MB for general user friendliness as well as the option of a removable hardtop.

Mark, the 280SL would probably be my first choice with disc brakes all round, followed by the 230 which has a little more bling. Can see your mate’s points about usability; as fun as 911’s are to drive there are better cars for jumping into for a slow cruise.

Finding a decent example of either will be a challenge, which is why I’d like to educate myself as to what to look out for and avoid. From my initial searching it seems that circa $90K will buy a fair example of either.

Peter, I’ve 2 daughters one of which turned 16 on the weekend so I’m looking at downsizing the size of cars and upsizing the quantity. Needless to say none of our vehicles will be insured for under 30’s to drive.

[hmd]

PW,

I went to this auction and there were 0 bid on this one

http://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/lot/O6FM0K5ZZDB42R13/

[Paul W]

Nice - ticks a lot of boxes for what I have in mind

[Fishcop]

I think Mark Johnson (Classic Road and Track) had one of these, he dropped be back to my hotel in it a few years back. I remember thinking that it was lovely - and it was for sale...

[markymark_1968]

I think Mark Johnson (Classic Road and Track) had one of these, he dropped be back to my hotel in it a few years back. I remember thinking that it was lovely - and it was for sale...

As of a couple of weeks ago, he still has it. He was going to sell again recently, but apparently decided he still loved it too much! A quick call to Dave Belford would determine, though...

[Gus Carfi]

Hi there, i have a 280sl and has been said ebfore driving it is a sense of occassion, it is easy to drive, easy to live with and great on the eye. However usual rules apply buy the best you can get. There is a great website "motoring investments" th at gives great info on originaliity and restorations etc its worth checking out if you havent already. Happy to discuss ownership issues further if you want to pm me. Cheers