1967 Mercedes 250SL

Launched in 1963 to replace the underpowered 190SL and utilising some of the new manufacturing techniques being pioneered in the new 'S' Class, the Paul Bracq designed 230SL was proudly unveiled to an appreciative audience at the Geneva Motor Show. Remaining in production until 1971 with around 49,000 finding homes, the W113 Class, frequently referred to as the "Pagoda", eventually spanned three engine sizes.

The same show in 1967 coincidentally, saw the introduction of the W113-250SL. The new car retained the stiffer suspension and sporty feel of the earlier cars, but provided improved agility with its larger(2.5Ltr.) engine and was now fitted with rear disc brakes and a larger tank. The new car was offered with a 4-speed Automatic transmission or a 4 or 5-speed ZFgearbox. Production ended in January 1968 and its one-year production run makes the 250SL the rarest of the W113 series.

Our left-hand drive, automatic, 250SL was built right at the end of this production run in December 1967, before being exported to the USA where it was to find its first owner on 1/06/1968. It appears to have spent the last few years of its Stateside sojourn in the ownership of Howard and Kimberley Chates from Gilbert, Arizona and they certainly owned it in September 2007 when an invoice from the German Motor Works indicates that at 76,942 miles the engine was fully rebuilt ($9,500), and new front seat covers ($1,250) and Tan carpets ($725) were fitted. It was serviced in late January 2015 by the German Car Service in Scottsdale at a cost of $353 with the mileage at 78,158 (only 1,216 miles since the engine rebuild) and a few days later was fitted with a brand new convertible top ($1,750) by Palacios Upholstery also in Scottsdale.

Later that year, the Mercedes was imported into the UK and first registered here on 3/07/15 before being bought by our vendor on 11/09/15. Prior to his purchase, the car received some serious attention underneath and was fitted with new floor pans, inner sills, and rear arches. This work was carried out by Classic Car Restorations in Hawkwell, Essex in exchange for £5,375 and genuine Mercedes parts were supplied by SLS at a cost of £700. When this structural work was completed, the bonnet, front wings, front panel and hard top were painted by First Call Cars in Rochford, and this Pagoda now looks fabulous in Light Beige with a Tobacco Brown hardtop, Tan leather interior, and Tan convertible top.

During his ownership, our vendor has entrusted the car to S.A Sullivans in Disley for extensive detailing and fettling to ensure the car looks its best and runs smoothly. The detailed invoices for this are in the history file which also contains the invoices and photographs from the restoration, invoices from Arizona, the Arizona Title, the GOV.UK vehicle enquiry results, and the V5C.

'Pagodas' never seem to wane in popularity and this delightful 'coffee and cream' example, having had much recent attention will surely be a sound investment.