1967 Mercedes 250SL Pagoda

Launched in 1963 to replace the underpowered 190SL and utilising some of the new manufacturing techniques being adopted in the emerging 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 customers, 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.They were offered with 4 speed Automatic transmission or a 4 or ZF 5 speed gearbox. Production ended in January 1968 and its one year production run makes the 250SL the rarest of the W113 series.

This 250SL is a left-hand drive, European spec car and is fitted with the relatively rare manual gearbox. Its UK history starts with its purchase by a lady owner in November 2013 although there is some information about awards won in America in an earlier life.

Our new lady owner took the decision to return her somewhat "down at heel" little Pagoda to rude health and set about a programme of restoration, overhaul and improvement. All the body and coachwork was carried out by Gratt Motors in Manchester and the mechanical side of the project was entrusted to Roger Edwards of Amersham. This work took place over two years and there is great pile of invoices to substantiate her expenditure which includes the following; New 3-piece Clutch, new track rods, replaced brake calipers and rear pads, replacement brake servo, overhauled master cylinder, new gear linkage, new distributor and alternator, new battery, new steering bushes, overhauled fuel injection pump, refurbished heater matrix, new condenser, points, plugs, fuel filter and resistor. The engine was fully serviced, tappets adjusted, compressions tested, and all linkages overhauled or replaced and the tank overhauled and the fuel system flushed through.

At Gratt Motors the car was fitted with new sills, rear lower wings, a new boot floor and painted a sparkling Mercedes White. New seat belts were fitted as were new Charcoal Grey carpets, 2 new door mirrors and a new Navy Blue soft top.

The car now looks fabulous in white with dark blue trim, dark blue Hard and Soft tops and pencil whitewall tyres.

The Vehicle is Taxed and has a current MoT, but is missing a couple of separate door lock keys.250SL Pagodas are the rarest by far, but they are wonderful to drive and this little SL is all set for the Summer.