VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz's 280 SL "Pagoda" May Be The Very Definition Of A Timeless Classic

One of the things I love about Petrolicious is how the video production company has decided to bring to the surface some of the world's best vintage automobiles. It's not car reviews or simply rehashing the numbers or facts about these cars.

It's about the stories behind the cars and sometimes the stories behind the owners. THESE are the elements that make these clips brilliant.

In the latest Petrolicious clip, it highlights the Mercedes-Benz 280 SL "Pagoda." This a highly desirable vehicle in the collecting community and when I had the chance the visit the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, California, there were two cars that were in abundance: the 300 SL "Gullwing" and then the 280 SL "Pagoda."

There's a reason for this. Just look at it.

While I will not give away the story behind this particular car, I will say if you're a fan of design this clip was filmed especially for you. As a fan of architecture and design, I thoroughly enjoyed it. That being said, watch it all unfold, below!




“One of the cool elements of the ‘Pagoda’ is the top,” says Daniel Monti. “One of the things I read in the design brief: they wanted to make sure that the journalists who’d came out to a race day, parked their 280SL at the side of the track, climb on top of the roof, get their camera out, and take pictures of the race that day.”

As an architect, Monti has a unique perspective on his beloved family heirloom, a Mercedes-Benz 280 SL. In the family for 30 years, you’d be safe in assuming its crisp lines and form-follows-function details have influenced his take on buildings.

Monti leads Modal Design, and part of this film is set in one of the firm’s newer projects, the Walnut House. (http://www.modal-design.com/projects/...)

“Our architecture tries to be straightforward, with basic principles that you can appreciate in the future,” Monti says, “…basic ideas that are timeless in their nature, and that’s how we hopefully create architecture that’s pushing boundaries but not outdated in five years.”

Still attractive and “crisp” today, that sentiment could apply to the 280 SL, a grand tourer that, Monti says, is very reliable and most at home on a scenic drive.

Monti says: “Functional requirements often generate a beauty from something you wouldn’t expect.” When examining the 280 SL and the Walnut House together, it’s clear function is what unites these two beautiful subjects—designed more than 50 years apart.

skytop - 6/20/2015 10:07:26 PM

+2 Boost

I had one. Sure it looks good but it has almost no power and the ride is far to soft so handling is hobbled. It is an antique just to look at. Buy at picture of it; it is less trouble and lots cheaper.

Car4Life - 6/21/2015 12:10:42 AM

+3 Boost

The Pagoda SL is truly a stunning classic and one that is so secure in its contribution to automotive history.

This vehicle was not intended for high speeds, tight turns, or 0-60 sprints.

It was designed for that gorgeous 75-80 degree Summer Day with clear skies, a slight breeze, nothing but the open road ahead, and perhaps that special someone seated next to you.

It's a car you embrace the road, curves, and scenery in, not attack them.

MDarringer - 6/21/2015 10:10:47 AM

-1 Boost

Precisely!

Agent00R - 6/21/2015 10:44:13 AM

+2 Boost

It's a California cruiser.

mre30 - 6/22/2015 10:14:18 AM

+1 Boost

Like any older car, try not to get into an accident - you will perish on the spot in a tangled, sharp mess of thin steel and non-collapsible parts. Skytop has it right - just get a nice picture of it and look at it from time to time.