- 1970
- 2 seats
- 170 hp
- Manual gearbox
Its story
The Mercedes-Benz 280SL Pagoda is an iconic sports car, renowned for its elegance and performance. Produced from 1967 to 1971, it stands out with its unique pagoda-shaped roof and luxurious interior. Designed to meet increasingly stringent safety standards, it nonetheless retained the sporty character of its predecessors. Its powerful 2.8-liter engine and innovations, such as automatic seatbelts, made it a remarkable vehicle for its time.
But this particular model has a unique story: it once belonged to the Belgian painter Jean-Michel Folon, who saw in this automobile a perfect blend of art, design, and freedom. Over the years, the 280SL was also rented by numerous international personalities. Among them were tennis legend Roger Federer, goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, Formula 1 driver George Russell, and actress Eva Longoria, all captivated by its timeless charm and refined comfort.
Today, this 280SL Pagoda is more than just a car: it is a living witness of an era and a legacy of art and culture. Highly sought after by collectors, it remains a symbol of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality, innovation, and automotive excellence.
- Ideal for
- Wedding in Nice
- Cap Ferrat loop
- Romantic getaway
Driving the Mercedes 280SL Pagoda
The 280 SL may be the gentlest sports car of its era, and that is exactly its appeal. The fuel injected straight six runs silky and smooth, and the manual gearbox suits an unhurried coastal drive rather than a charge. For a car more than fifty years old it is easy going, with a good view over the front wings and a ride that soaks up the patched surface of the Lower Corniche. Two seats, a large thin rimmed steering wheel and a clean dashboard: you feel at home within minutes. The soft top folds away under a panel behind the seats, and the boot takes two weekend bags. It is the perfect car for a couple, or for newlyweds who want to drive themselves from the ceremony to dinner.
Where to drive it
From Nice, follow the Lower Corniche to Villefranche-sur-Mer, then drive all the way round the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula: villas tucked behind the pines, a small fishing harbour, the Pointe Saint-Hospice. Come back through Beaulieu-sur-Mer past the Villa Kérylos, then return to Nice along the same corniche as the late light turns Villefranche bay gold. A short drive, almost entirely by the water, with time to stop wherever you like. It is the Pagoda's natural pace.
Classic car rental in Nice →Gallery
Availability
Greyed-out dates are already booked. Pick your dates, then send your request.
Mercedes 280SL Pagoda: your questions
Why is the 280 SL called the Pagoda?
Because of its hardtop, whose slightly dished roof and raised edges recall the roof of a pagoda. The nickname covers the whole W113 family, from the 230 SL to the 280 SL.
Can I hire the Pagoda as a wedding car in Nice?
Yes. It can be decorated on request, and a chauffeur option is available if the couple would rather enjoy the day. Delivery to your venue is quoted on request.
Do I need classic car experience?
You need to be at least 25, have held your licence for 3 years and be comfortable with a manual gearbox. Beyond that, the 280 SL is one of the easiest classics to get to know.
What does it cost and what is the deposit?
890 euros a day, 9am to 8pm, with 150 km, insurance for two drivers and a tailor-made itinerary included. The security deposit is 5,000 euros.
