Mercedes-Benz 250SL Pagoda Automatic

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In the late 1950s Mercedes-Benz were making two sports models, the gorgeous (if rather over-bodied) 190SL and the magnificent (but hugely expensive) 300SL.

After an abortive programme to improve the 190’s performance, Mercedes decided that they would replace both models with just one car. Developed from the new 220SE saloon platform, and using its sweet 2.3-litre straight-six, the new W113 230SL was the first sports car to use front and rear crumple zones and was very elegantly styled by Paul Bracq.

A sophisticated removable hard top turned the roadster into a very convincing coupe, the hood folding out of sight into an area behind the seats under a hinged cover. The distinctive hard top had an unusual dished roof for added strength which was to become the signature feature of the model, lending it the Pagoda nickname which has stuck to this day.

Available in manual form only to begin with, an automatic was added in late 1963. Power output eventually increased from 150bhp to 170bhp in the last of the line 280SL, the W113 finally being replaced by the rather less elegant R107 SL in 1971. Rarest of the lot is the 250SL (as here) which was only produced from 1966 to 1968 and had a more torquey version of the 230SL’s 150bhp engine, allied to the stiffer suspension and sportier feel of the earlier model when compared to the heavier and softer 280SL.

This 1967 left-hand drive automatic transmission 250SL has spent most of its life in California and is said to be “rust-free” with good bodywork and structure. It has covered an indicated, but unwarranted 93,000 miles. It was acquired by the vendor about 12 years ago from a private collection in California at which point it was a complete and running car.

Shortly after he brought it back to the UK (with all duties paid), the vendor decided to treat it to a full restoration but the project stalled several years ago after the car had been partially dismantled and the bodywork restored as required. We understand from the vendor that the car comes complete with all the original trim, engine and mechanical parts it started out with (including soft top and frame), although the engine has been dismantled in preparation for a rebuild which never took place. There is little documentation with this vehicle that we are aware of at the time of cataloguing.

With the hard top included, it has the potential to be a prime example of this iconic ‘60s roadster, especially as so many panels and small parts can still readily be sourced direct from Mercedes-Benz. Prospective bidders are strongly advised to view the car in person to assess the amount of work required, as it needs rather more than just a quick coat of paint to get it ready for the summer.
 

PS: Since the catalogue went to press a California Cerificate of Title dating from 2003 has now surfaced and will be supplied along with the car (see last photo on website).