Classic Mercedes-Benz specialists SLSHOP (www.theslshop.com) has acquired one of the world’s largest collections of classic Mercedes-Benz parts. Discovered late 2019, the unique haul of parts comprises many thousands of components to suit W113 and R107 generations of SL, and many of the items have, until now, been rare, near impossible to find parts, that have been out of production for decades.
“The importance of this find cannot be understated, and we are very proud to be the company to bring these rare parts to market,” said Sam Bailey, SLSHOP Managing Director.
The gigantic collection was unearthed following numerous online enquires from Holland. A Dutch gentleman was trying to ascertain values for parts, and repeatedly found himself on the website of SLSHOP. Instead of trying to value components individually, he decided to speak to the SLSHOP team about selling the entire collection.
A trip to Holland was arranged, on the understanding that it was an all or nothing transaction.
It quickly became apparent that this really was a once in a lifetime parts discovery, explain SLSHOP’s highly experienced parts experts Paul Houghton and Jack Ward.
Houghton says: “We realised early on that this was a very special, and large collection of difficult to find parts, that aren’t usually found in any condition, or would normally result in a lengthy wait while originals are sourced and refurbished.” Ward adds: “We really couldn’t believe what we were seeing when we first set eyes on it.”
The unique treasure trove of parts required three 40ft articulated lorries to relocate them all from Holland to the SLSHOP’s Stratford-Upon-Avon headquarters.
Primarily made up of Pagoda components, some of the rarest clips, clamps and fixings are present, as well as ‘new in box’ engine and gearbox parts, complete body parts, ‘new in bag’ wiring looms, boxed Pagoda bonnets, new instruments, refurbished and new old stock fuel pumps, and interior pieces in almost every original colour.
Bailey says: “For the W113 Pagoda enthusiast, collector and restorer this is a hugely significant find.”
The vast parts inventory was accumulated by Dutch W113 Pagoda specialist, Pagoda Mass, over 35 years of business. The company had close ties to Stuttgart and was decorated with a number of awards by Mercedes-Benz itself. During its many years in operation the goal was to amass ‘one car worth of everything’. When the SLSHOP inspected the parts collection, it was clear that aim had been significantly surpassed, indeed, in many cases there are dozens of cars worth of product.
Arriving in the UK early in 2020, the SLSHOP’s parts specialists set about meticulous job of cataloguing and recording of each part, housing it on shelving purpose built to stock the vast Holland haul.
Bailey says: “This project has been a long time in the making, we were lucky to have the parts arrive at our HQ prior to the first lockdown in 2020, and we have been busy cataloguing them since. Our unique position in the market, the knowledge of our specialist team and our ability to move quickly, transport, catalogue and even create the space to safely house such a huge new inventory have all contributed to this incredible addition to our parts operation. The parts are now available for customers, and our workshops and restoration team area already seeing the benefit of the parts that have been found. This is a great result for The SLSHOP and for the Pagoda community alike.”
All of the parts will be available for sale in the online store. https://www.theslshop.com/parts-store
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