Everrati’s Electric Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda revives a classic

The Everrati Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda is a modern electric conversion of an iconic roadster, blending timeless design with sustainable technology. Everrati founder Justin Lunny, who has admired the SL Pagoda since childhood, began working on this project alongside the company’s other electric conversions, including the Porsche 911 and Superformance Ford GT40.

The SL Pagoda, produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1963 and 1971, earned its nickname from its distinctive concave hardtop. It was originally powered by 2.3-litre, 2.5-litre, and 2.8-litre six-cylinder engines, paired with either automatic or manual transmissions. Everrati’s version retains the classic aesthetics while replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric powertrain, ensuring the car’s structure remains unaltered and reversible.

Everrati’s electric SL uses a 300hp front-mounted axial flux motor from Helix UK, a supplier to brands such as Lotus. The motor drives the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential, with all control systems developed in-house. The 54.4-kWh battery pack, built from Envision Gen 5 modules, is split between the front and rear to maintain the car’s original weight distribution. This setup delivers a range of 160 miles and a 0–60mph time of just under 8 seconds, comparable to the original 280 SL.

An optional 68-kWh Touring pack increases range to 200 miles and reduces the 0–60mph time to under 7 seconds. Despite its 300hp output, the car’s performance is deliberately kept modest to preserve its relaxed, cruiser-like character.

Starting the Everrati SL involves twisting the original-style ignition key, with analogue-style gauges activating as the power system wakes up. The gear selector and handbrake retain the vintage feel, while the electric motor provides a smooth and silent operation. Regenerative braking can be adjusted for either one-pedal driving or a more traditional coasting feel, with seamless transitions between regenerative and mechanical braking.

Development is ongoing, with improvements planned to address minor vibrations under acceleration caused by the original prop-shaft’s u-joints, which will be replaced with constant velocity joints. The car’s shock damping may also be softened to better replicate the ride quality of the original SL, leveraging the sidewalls of its MXV 185 R14 tyres.

Justin Lunny, who notes the original Pagoda SL was very popular in the U.S., thinks America will also be the Everrati car’s biggest market. “It’s such a cool cruiser and I can easily see it in places like Miami, Palm Springs and Malibu,” he says.

Every Everrati SL starts with a full restoration of the donor car, ensuring the original Mercedes-Benz hardware is returned to pristine condition. The interior is trimmed in Bridge of Weir leather, while modern touches like heated seats and Bluetooth audio are discreetly integrated to preserve the car’s classic charm. Air conditioning is also included, designed to complement the 1960s aesthetic. The cost is estimated to be around $420,000 (excluding taxes and shipping), which includes sourcing the donor car, a full restoration, and the electric conversion.

For further information visit everrati.com/