While waiting for the awards ceremony to start at the New Hope show this summer, I was “stuck” staring at a particuarly straight Mercedes-Benz.  I’ve always respected the 280SL Pagoda, as it was the second generation of the SL series, one of the most famous models that Mercedes-Benz has produced over the years.  Even in its final years of production, the Pagoda model was elegant as ever.  It’s an old favorite of mine and I wish more of them were at classic car shows.  This navy blue example with alloy wheels was a later model, and likely a 1971 model based on the presence of the alloys and whitewall tires.  The ski rack bolted to the hardtop looked very smart and set the navy blue paint off very well.  The entire package looked rather youthful and presented a nice alternative to the white example seen in one particular photo.  Enjoy the shots.

-Albert S. Davis