Mercedes SL Pagoda Shooting Break By Frua, rediscovered

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Back in 1966, a Swiss Pagoda owner required more space than the original design could provide, much more. For this client Frua, the well known Italian styling house, created a bespoke 230SL. The result was interesting to say the least. While the rear view preserved much of the Pagodas charm, the treatment of the nose was...at least questionable. The car was originally delivered in Switzerland,, but soon after the car was sold to the Spanish ambassador, who later moved the car to Spain. The car was used daily till the 1980s, when it received new number plates from Madrid. The last pictures known of the car had been, for years,  of the car parked in a Madrid quiet street. But suddenly, the car has reappeared located many kilometers from where these photos were taken. Currently this very unique car is enjoying the easy life of Canary Islands, where its owner is using it regularly. As you can see in the main picture, the car is in very good conditions, and even the current owner claims the car to be completly unrestored and original! For the moment this "Pagoda Shooting Break" is far far away from the Elegance Concours circuit... but for how long will last this quiet situation?

Text & photos by Francisco Carrión

Originally published on June 5, 2016

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