Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: john.mancini on January 15, 2012, 15:33:25
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I know that we would all agree that our beloved Pagodas are first and foremost, our most favorite sports cars. For me, my 69 280SL will be in our family forever. Other cars have come and gone. I'm curious as to what other sports cars our membership may own, and how do you compare your Pagoda to your significant other(s). Is your Pagoda your favorite, or is there a more seductive temptress in your garage?
John
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Must be too cold in Chatham this morning!! It was about 2 degrees F when I went out for coffee this morning at 5am.
My vote would be an early Porsche - like a 356, or 911 (993). I think you still may have your 356 - as do a few others on the forum.
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I can't really say any one is first and foremost over the other, they each have their unique pleasures and disappointments. I don't know which I'd sell first if I had to.
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Mine would be a 911 - Sporto box targa, pref the 2.2
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Mine be the 'Earl Camino' of course. Between the cars and my loved one, and the various girlfriends on the side, I'd have a real tough time choosing!
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It was about 22 this morning Doug. I actually sold both 356's this year and replaced them with a 2011 Boxster Spyder. Quite a car.
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280SL 5 speed, Jaguar E Type 4.2 SII, or the new 230SL Auto coming soon I hope, and I know I am going to be pressured to bring it back to 2 cars in the shed. With my wife only driving Auto, that sets one of them.
Its going to be a really hard decision and one I am dreading.
Garry
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is an extension to the shed an option?
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Ok I misread the initial question but I'll leave that answer below... My second and thirds currently are much less sexy -- a 2001 Chevy Tahoe and 2011 Chevy Siiverado.
My answers were -- what would I like to have as second or third..., keeping in mind that I am not really much of a collector car nut...
I would like a really nice condition:
1. 69 Chevy Camaro
2. A 67 VW Beetle
3. maybe a 55 Chevy Bel Air
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My dream is to have line up of the SL series, from 190 up to the 600 from early nineties. Don't really like the SL shapes after that :)
Afterall, it does not cost to dream:)
Hamid
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280SL 5 speed, Jaguar E Type 4.2 SII, or the new 230SL Auto coming soon I hope, and I know I am going to be pressured to bring it back to 2 cars in the shed. With my wife only driving Auto, that sets one of them.
Its going to be a really hard decision and one I am dreading.
Garry
You can always store the third one in another place, and every now and then sneak out to spend time with the car. That would not count as having an affair, nor as cheating :)
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I can't really say any one is first and foremost over the other, they each have their unique pleasures and disappointments. I don't know which I'd sell first if I had to.
John, If I had enough money I'd make your decision easy and you could sell me the 190 SL...
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I would like an E-Type 3.8. I already have a BMW 3.0 CSI and I'm not sure the Pagoda comes first wheen I comapre the two, at least when it comes to engine and handling. The Pagoda has other qualities: much better build quality and it's a convertible.
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I do sometimes wish I'd held on that near-perfect 1964 Porsche 356 SC.
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my daily driver is a PDK carrera s- an awesome machine that is approaching the end of lease- im giving serious consideration to replacing it with an AMG e63 seems I have a torque thing.
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my second classic or (youngtimer really) is a 1982 SWB Series III Land Rover that I share with my father and brother for rough jobs like hauling firewood, speedboats, surfboards, stuff to the dump etc. - a very rugged, uncomfortable machine thats really cosy to drive. My dream addition to my garage would be a Series 1 (or 2) Jaguar XJ6 in royal blue with beige leather. This way I would be completely covered - a convertible sports car, a rugged 4x4 and a sofa on wheels.
But the Pagoda would remain my favorite for sure :-)
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I would like an E-Type 3.8. I already have a BMW 3.0 CSI and I'm not sure the Pagoda comes first wheen I comapre the two, at least when it comes to engine and handling. The Pagoda has other qualities: much better build quality and it's a convertible.
I also have a BMW 3.0CS, and I agree with the above. The BMW handles better, is quieter, and has a smoother running, more powerful engine. But the Pagoda is definitely better built, is more elegant, and the top is much easier to get down. Both cars are beautiful, in different ways.
Chris
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I also have a BMW 3.0CS, and I agree with the above. The BMW handles better, is quieter, and has a smoother running, more powerful engine. But the Pagoda is definitely better built, is more elegant, and the top is much easier to get down. Both cars are beautiful, in different ways.
Chris
The E9 has a much more modern chassis, drawn from the Neue Klasse that appeared in '62, one year before the Pagoda. The Pagoda is drawn from the W111 chassis that appeared in '59. But there seem to be more than 3 years difference in conception when driving the two. In fact, the BMW was very advanced for the era. MB adopted the same solutions, at least for the rear axle, on the W114. BMW saw it as a confirmation that they had done the right technical choices.
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I was faced with a decision in 1974. I had a 1966 911 and the 1967 250SL. I needed to buy a home for my wife and I. As much as I loved driving the sportier five speed 911, my wife liked the ride and feel of the 250SL which she nick named "Muffy". So you can see which one became the keeper. I have been thinking about looking into an early 70's 911E with the similar Bosch mechanical Injection pump. That would be my choice.
Pete Lesler
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You all may call me crazy but I always loved the 67-70 mercury cougar. Just got a 1967 xr7 recently to wet my thirst. Still looking for a place to store it. 33k original miles was something I couldnt pass up. I always thought mercury did a good job fusing luxury in with some performance. A good balance that is pleasant to look at and something you dont see at every car show.
Jesse
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Good topic.
Ever since I was a teeneager I had always wanted a 911 Turbo. About 3 years ago I did end up buying a Porsche but I decided on an early 911 instead. 1972 911T in fact. I just love the pure lines on the car and its so much fun to drive. Easy to work on too.
I have always adored older Ferraris but they are way out of reach for me. Something about 12 cylinders unders the hood!!
I was watching the Barett-Jackson auction over the past few days (actually glued to the set) and am astonished at the amount of money being spent by the wealthy collectors. 2M US$ for the Gullwing was probably the highlight of the show for me. What a stunning car and only about 5,000 original miles on it. You wonder if it will ever be driven or just sit in a showcase somewhere.
Joe
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Even though I fell in love with the Pagoda when in Germany back in '65 I thought they would be out of reach ($$$) for a B draftsman at North American Aviation so I got really close to getting a 1966 Poppy Yellow 912. Right before I ordered one I thought what the heck, I would see what kind of a deal I could get at the Mercedes Benz dealer. Needless to say, they made a deal that I couldn't turn down and I took delivery of my 250 SL the next spring. I still have a soft spot for that little yellow glorified Volkswaken:-) The original AC Corbra (63-65) MK II would be nice too.
John
OK, enough of this. Time too watch the 49ers:-)
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My other toys include a 66 corvette (nearing the finish line)and a 58 Austin Healy 100/6 (long term project). My daily more reasonable forms of transport are a 99 E320 (runs like a top) and a 2006 E320 CDI (37 mpg all day long), but as stated, my pagoda is tops for fun.
James
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sorry our Giants did a job on your 9ners. Actually I think Williams may deserve a superbowl ring for setting up the winning FG!
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355 F1 Berlinetta is now in sight. May have to trade the Porsche for it. Still have the Longchamp 5-speed and the GT40. Carling's garage-mate (1970 Series II XKE) is in the shop, where He Who Must Be Obeyed is grinding the body. I am covering the dash in navy-black leather and making the bits and pieces to fit the boot and sills. It will be painted, I believe, Quantum Silver (an Aston colour). The 12-cyl XJS needs some work on the brake system, so it's out of service.
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I always dreamed of a W111 Cab and purchased one in the summer of '10. I never expected to own a 3.5! Between it and the Pagoda, I go back and forth on which one I like better. The Pagoda has no cowl shake at all, while the 280SE 3.5 has a small amount (typical of a larger cabin). The 3.5 has a lot more power! The Pagoda is more sexy, while the 3.5 is more stately. They are both a joy!
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My Pagoda is definitely the first - like the wife - the other two cars may be sexier and perform better but they will never take over the wife's position and will always remain mistresses. The mistresses (not in any order) are: 1985 BMW M6 and 1963 Corvette Stingray - split window coupe.
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Jesse, re: the Cougar. Is it an up scale version of the Mustang? roomier, plusher(?), more power, better handling, etc???
and better looking in some ways------
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Here are my favorites, in the correct order from top (#1) down.
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Recently an automotive magazine ran an article in which various contributors listed their favorite vehicles. Interestingly there was little correlation between lists. When I was in college, I read an article describing the Ferrari 330 GTC. To me it was as ideal an automobile as I had ever seen. Ten years ago I purchased a 9800 original mile GTC from the first owner. Today it has 10,970 miles and is still my favorite. The Pagoda has much in common with the Ferrari. They are both beautifully built, elegant in design, wonderful glass area, etc. As a kid, I coveted the Pagoda but alas, my family was unable to afford the steep price. My 14,000 mile 280 SL (tobacco/bamboo) will sit next to the GTC indefinitely.
I have owned 4 E-Types and they simply don't compare to our beloved Pagodas. I also have owned a BMW 3.0CSi-too big and a 2+2. My 246 Dino must rate with the most interesting.
I drove a 1972 Porsche 911T while in medical school. It was beautifully built and certainly a classic.
I do have a 4000 mile 1996 Porsche 993 which will never be a collectible but is a very well built and classically styled car.
What would I like to own (but never will). Ferrari 275 GTB4, Ferrari Lusso, Gullwing, Miura SV, etc.
The Pagoda is a gem-just enjoy them.
ljg
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I don't know if most of you would consider it a "Sports" car but I have a 2002 BMW 5 series Touring(station wagon) with sport package that is my daily driver. I just picked her up from a 5 week stay at the airport and it put a smile on my face. I've owned over 100 cars and it's really an all around great car.
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There are a lot of you who have some wonderful cars! We've got a bit of a mixture in our garage: the '69 280SL of course, then our '58 Speedster, a '88 928 (modified), the wife's '05 Carrera S daily driver, and my '12 BMW X5M. I had to sell my '74 Alpina 3.0CS to make room for the Speedster and I wish I could have kept it - I really miss it.
I thought long and hard about a 365 or 330 GTC instead of the Speedster. The GTC is a fabulous car and reminds me of a streamlined CS. But I wanted a car I could afford to run in my retirement years and the thought of having to pay for an engine or transmission rebuild, let alone body work, in my dotage scared me off.
The Speedster and the 280SL are the cars we'll keep for fun in the future.
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73 BMW 2002. Still in project status. Needs a nose transplant. Never really drove it yet.
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Hi All,
I owned one red Triumph Spitfire 1966 MK2 (that I fully restored from dec 2000 to may 2002), one MGBGT 1980 (rubber bumper) unrestored and just to go to some meetings where I don't want any risks for my silver Pagoda 280sl 1970 (that I fully restored between jul 2006 to sept 2008) nor the Spitfire.
Best regards.
Vincent R
(France).
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Sorry Guys,
Please read : I own and not owned...
Regards.
Vincent R.
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This tread has been fascinating - nothing older than the 50's seems to be on the radar. When we bought the Pagoda we (notice the careful use of plural ;)) chose a 230sl auto so that the true boss can drive it easily. Over the years we have restored many vintage cars - mainly in the 1920 - 1930 range, often driving them long distances.
Currently the Pagoda shares with a 1926 Chrysler Imperial roadster (E80), with a special order long wheel base. It was the first Imperial and the same model driven by Louis Chevrolet as the pace car in the 1926 Indy. A huge, imposing and heavy roadster. No power steering takes on a whole new meaning. Great fun to drive, it feels like the car is on rails with over 2 tons on 20" wire wheels.
It is impossible to compare the two as they are SO different. I think as I get a bit older the comfort and the fact that the Pagoda actually stops makes it the one I'll keep above all else.
Oh - also a 1965 powder blue, 2 stoke 150cc Vespa, just for something different.
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My garage contains a 1981 DeLorean, 1988 35th Anniv Corvette, 2009 Saturn Sky Limited Edition Redline, 1995 Harley WideGllide, as well as my 65 SL. Outside is a 2002 Chrysler 300M, 2003 Saab 9-5 Turbo, and 2007 Suburban. SL is my baby!
Jim in Maryland
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I just added a 2011 Boxster Spyder to my garage. Fast, head turning looks, and red! My 69 Pagoda is still my favorite!
John
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I am on a quest for a 1974 BMW 2002tii and a 60ish Porsch 356. Wide spectrum in price but, got to have them in the stable!
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I am on a quest for a 1974 BMW 2002tii and a 60ish Porsch 356. Wide spectrum in price but, got to have them in the stable!
Why do you want the big bumper, square taillight 2002 instead of a roundie?
The 356 you pictured would cost about $225K or more.
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I had a '74 2002tii in high school. Loved that car. Great sentimental value and was pretty quick for its day. Still like the 356. Who doesn't! :D As I've searched, a hard top 356, in decent shape, seem to be in the range of $50-70K. Brian Peter's at Motoring Investments had a beautiful red one in that price range. The search is part of the fun. I'll keep looking.
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In December this company had an original, 1-owner, unrestored 356 - 90 (not super 90) in your price range: http://www.caporsche.net/
It was tempting!!
I believe it has sold now.
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What else do I have
I don't drive my Pagoda yet - still taking it slow (Thanks for the advice Dr Benz)
My insured fleet includes: Dodge Quad Cab 4x4 with a Hemi (regular family wagon), a couple old 750 Honda motorcycles, a Triumph 500 motocrcycle and my current favourite and newest toy a 2009 Honda Ruckus Scooter. I rotate the fleet weekly depending on weather, purpose of trip and the heck of it.
My uninsured family includes the pagoda, a 75 MGB (trying to give it to my kids), a 1966 Triumph Bonneville (gonna hang it on my wall I think), and a 2005 Honda Jazz Scooter (for my daughters) all in need of resurection. A wee bit happening on the Pagoda and nothing on the others since the Pagoda entered my life. Most have a long progression of ownership in my name - I got the Hondas when I was 12 and 16, got the MGB when I was 19 and thrashed it until I was 25, the Triumphs when I was 33 and 35 and I knew that I would someday have a Pagoda when I was 22. I go through a used truck every couple years as I progressively get a larger and larger RV to keep my wife and children happy.
I have had a few BMW 2002s, MGBs, Honda Civics, and several other motorcycles that didn't have enough sentimental value to keep.
Ian in North Vancouver
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I had a '74 2002tii in high school. Loved that car. Great sentimental value and was pretty quick for its day. Still like the 356. Who doesn't! :D As I've searched, a hard top 356, in decent shape, seem to be in the range of $50-70K. Brian Peter's at Motoring Investments had a beautiful red one in that price range. The search is part of the fun. I'll keep looking.
I'd still go with the roundie.
A very nice 356 Coupe is in the $50K range. Driver levels can be had in the 30-45 area. They can go all the way up to $100K (very rare for a coupe) but I think you're high. I have a 356C. Brian's prices skew to the high side.
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Hello 71 Beige 280SL,
Ironically, I sold that red 356 SC to Brian. It turned out that it needed a ton of work. I got taken on that car and was not happy with the outcome. The best 356 I ever owned, by far, was built by Intermeccanica. Incredible and far superior to any 356 I owned. I know, it wasn't a real one, but even the 356 experts loved it.
John
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My recently acquired '71 280SL manual four speed replaced a '66 Jaguar E Type Roadster that I owned for 40 years. No point in trying a "comparison", as they are two totally different cars. Suffice it to say I'm delighted with the Pagoda.
I also have a '71 Alfa Montreal , and an '87 Chev El Camino. Several motorcycles, including a Vincent Rapide, a '77 MV Agusta Monza, and a '70 Honda CB750, that I bought new in April 1970. ------ Life is good !!
Cheers, Dale.
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I forgot to mention my 1987 560SL that's in fine condition. I have a soft spot for this car because it was the current SL when I received my driver's license in 1974. Little did I know it was still be the current model when I was 32 as well!!! I sold my 560SEL last weekend and it looked new.
Other cars that I've had in the past: 1956 Lincoln Premiere Coupe with factory air; 1957 Thunderbird; 1962, 1964 and 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertibles; 1969 Lincoln with rare Town Car option (first year for this option); Continental Mark III, V and VI; 1981 Mercedes 300SD and a 1965 Jaguar.
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Seems we gravitate towards similar things. I drove a 2002 square lamps for about 6 months and owned a 356A with a Super90 engine. Both great cars, especially the A coupe!
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Sorry, haven't hit the site for a while!
66andBlue - CAPorsche appears to have some great cars. Anyone have experience with them?
thelews - I admit the roundie is a classic. I would have zero issues buying one. Your 356C is stunning!
john.mancini - Sorry about the outcome on your 356SC. I didn't drive it but, sat in it. Interior finish looked outstanding. If it is any consolation, it was the car that made me say, "I have to have one". So, when my wife says, "Why not a newer car?" I'll say, "blame john.mancini" :D
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Whooops, just bought a really tatty 1984 230E (w123) for my wife because I'm tired of her leaving a mess in my BMW. The seller told me to either buy it or he would break it and ship it to Lebanon as spares...
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For a warm summer day cruising in town with your lady you can't beat a Pagoda, at dawn on a twisting country road a Ferrari 308GTB, for a predawn high-speed run cross country on the highway a 400i 5 speed, and if you feel you have been bad and you deserve some punishment try wrenching on a Jaguar...
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I'm in the middle of repairing/restoring a 64 1/2 mustang convertible.
289 4barrel and manual 4 speed.
One of the classic cars in my opinion...
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My second is completely different in every way from the pagoda. It's a 1977 Oldsmobile 442. It's mandarin orange and white two tone with 33K original miles.
I love them both but the Olds woudl be the first to go if push came to shove. I would miss the orange shag carpet though!