1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL (W113) 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 2.5-litre engine and was now fitted with rear disc brakes and a larger tank. They were offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 4/5-speed ZF manual gearbox. Replaced by the 280SL in January 1968, its one-year production run makes the 250SL the rarest of the W113 Series.

This spectacular 250SL was German supplied and remains in left-hand drive with its original hardtop. It has been subject to a painstaking restoration by M-B marque specialists over the last five years including D-Class, Multitech, SS Motors, Quickfit Safety Belts, SLS in Germany and the SL Shop. The work included a full glass-out respray, brand new leather interior, carpets, hood, engine, running gear and in excess of £36,000 was spent on retrimming, servicing and new parts. These new parts included brand new black Mercedes grained leather throughout including the dash, door cards, seats etc, brand new correct salt and pepper carpets throughout, brand new wood kit including dash and surrounds, a new Mercedes Mohair hood, Mercedes-branded chrome seat-belts, new exhaust, headlights, Michelin Whitewall Tyres 185HR14 MXV, a new Becker Europa Vintage FM Radio with ’67 MB knobs and a Hirschmann Electric Chrome Wing Aerial.

The engine rebuild included a reground crank with new mains and big ends, piston rings, rebuilt head with new valves, springs, guides and seats, recon oil pump, new timing chain, recondition fuel injection system and a new clutch and flywheel.

At the time of photography, the odometer read 93,121 miles meaning that the car has only covered a handful of miles since the work was completed. The original documents held in the history file include its service book, and the stamped Mercedes-Benz Kundendienst alongside acres of invoices from the recent restoration in addition to a UK V5C. The fastidious attention to maintaining originality is clearly illustrated by the period-correct Becker Europa with 1967 MB-knobs, the Hirschmann aerial and proper Michelin tyres. This truly is a superb restoration and, resplendent in its gleaming new Signal Red paintwork, this is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of the rare 250SL on the market today.