1967 Mercedes-Benz European 250SL Pagoda – Price – Sold!
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL California Coupe with Hardtop
Chassis no. 113.043-10-003595
Engine no. 129982-10-001833
2,496cc SOHC Aluminum Inline 6-cylinder engine
Bosch mechanical fuel injection
170bhp at 5,600rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Servo-assisted Disc Brakes
*Wonderfully equipped, W113 Mercedes ‘Pagoda’
*Retains numbers matching engine
*Rare California Coupe specification
*Accompanied with original coded factory hard top
*Rare and desirable factory equipped ZF 5-speed manual transmission
THE MERCEDES 250SL
The stylish Mercedes-Benz W113 was presented at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and replaced both the expensive 300SL and entry-level 190SL with one medium-priced two-seat sports car. The SL was a huge success, with 48,912 sold in 9 years, and is now considered a true masterpiece. Legendary Mercedes Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Technical Director Fritz Nallinger did the chassis, while equally famous designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi styled the car under the direction of Friedrich Geiger. The body combines the elegantly trim look of contemporary Mercedes sedans with a simple grille derived from the 300SL. Bela Barenyi conceived the patented concave hardtop, soon called the “Pagoda.” Like the best designs, the W113 has proven to be timeless in its appeal.
Built on a typical Mercedes chassis derived from the new W111 sedan, with independent front suspension, patented low-pivot rear suspension and powerful disc brakes, the SL is one of the best-handling classic sports cars. The body boasts an aluminum hood, trunk lid, doors and tonneau cover, so that at just under 2900 lbs., the W113 is remarkably svelte for a fully equipped luxury Grand Tourer. The virtually indestructible Mercedes fuel-injected SOHC Inline-6 was literally decades ahead of the competition. The 230SL, built from 1963-67, derives 150 hp from 2308 cc. The 250SL, built only from December 1966 to January, 1968, derives 150 hp from 2496cc with significantly improved performance thanks to more torque and a wider powerband. The final 280SL, built from 1967 through 1971, derives 170 hp from 2778cc.
THE CAR OFFERED
Completed at the factory in September of 1967, this rare ZF 5-speed transmission equipped W113 Pagoda, was originally delivered in no. 178 Medium Grey Metallic with match painted hardtop over Caviar (Black) MB-Tex interior. Along with the desirable 5-speed gearbox, this 250SL was equipped with 1:4.08 gear ratio. This California coupe was delivered with a color matched hardtop, complete with its original 3257 build code. The hood also shows the same matching build code. Besides these code matched body parts, this Mercedes has all the right cues that Pagoda owners wish to see including the visible spot welds on the front clip/engine bay, the body around the headlights still has the “notches” visible as well.
The car lived in the bay area before being acquired by its southern California owner. At one point in life, the car received a color change to Red replacing the original Medium Grey paint. The black seating and carpets stayed intact in its original color and presents nicely for its age, as does the Becker Mexico cassette player. The white steering wheel carries wonderful patina and appears to be the original unit. This European spec example still wears its European headlights and is equipped with fog lamps as well as a set of rally driving lights. Sporting light alloy wheels as opposed to the standard hub caps, this California coupe is ready for the road. The car is in sound mechanical condition, and is sure to be enjoyed on a weekend drive, a local cars and coffee or even a vintage road rally such as the Copperstate 1000.
Today the car presents nicely in its elegant color scheme and carefully maintained condition. This Mercedes will be accompanied by a copy of the Mercedes data card, showing its rare ZF transmission setup, while also showing its matching numbers factory engine still installed today. Said to be a fine driving car, 250SLs are often regarded as more enjoyable cars to wheel around than their more expensive 280SL brethren. With W113-Series prices on the rise, there is no better way to enjoy the comforts of a modern car with the rising values of a collector car than in a 250SL like this one.