1967 Mercedes - Benz 250 SL

Registration: PMC498E

Chassis:

11304320001280 Odometer: 25,400

Transmission:

Manual MOT: Exempt

UK supplied example

Older restoration

New pads and discs all round in 2017

Electronic ignition conversion

Retrimmed seats

Recent hood

The Mercedes-Benz SL ‘Pagoda’, officially known as the W113, was introduced in 1963 as a refined evolution of the company’s iconic SL roadsters, replacing the 300 SL and 190 SL. Designed by Paul Bracq under the engineering leadership of Béla Barényi, it took its nickname from its distinctive concave hardtop, which resembled the rooflines of Asian pagodas and was engineered to improve strength and visibility. Produced until 1971 in 230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL variants, the W113 emphasized safety, comfort, and everyday usability rather than outright racing performance, reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s shift toward grand touring luxury. With features such as fuel injection, advanced crumple zones, and impeccable build quality, the Pagoda SL became a favourite among professionals and celebrities alike, and it remains one of the most elegant and enduring designs in the brand’s history.

We are delighted to offer this 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL in white with blue interior. This is a right hand drive UK-market example, first registered in July 1967. The V5C shows it as having 5 owners, our vendor having had custody since 2017. There’s no history to speak of before then but there are some photos indicating that it was the subject of an older restoration and that it has had a colour change. During our vendor’s tenure it hasn’t been short of love and there is a small bundle of invoices covering this period and totalling almost £5,000. Most recently there is a £2,000 bill from November 2024 when the crank shaft oil seal was replaced, bearings and oil seals were renewed on the back axle, the half shafts were rebuilt with correct bearings and new gaskets, rear brakes were rebuilt and the rear diff oil replaced. Its last service seems to have been in late 2023 when it was also treated to a Pertronix electronic ignition conversion.

Paul Bracq’s design for the ‘Pagoda’ has rightly become one of the most iconic shapes from that era. In period, the W113 was available in a number of white shades but this example is finished in a bright, pure white which suits the lines perfectly, and it has had a recent replacement hood. There are a few age related marks and there is some rust appearing on the rear valance and above the grille but on the whole the restoration has stood up pretty well. The brightwork has some light patina but remains very presentable. We are informed by the vendor that all cavities have been treated with Dinitrol to protect against corrosion. Inside, the cabin dates from a period when Mercedes really put in the effort to style something beautiful, in contrast to the huge plastic mouldings found in later models. The dash, wheel and door cards appear to be original but the seats have been retrimmed in beautiful blue leather, to the original pattern, and a matching replacement carpet set fitted. The boot is clean and the spare wheel is present and correct.

The Benz comes with V5C, some old MOTs, a bundle of invoices for parts and maintenance, book pack, restoration photos and an old advert.

With many W113s in the UK being left hand drive imports and / or automatics, this example stands out being both right hand drive and manual - a very desirable combination. With a just a few cosmetic jobs to tackle, this one could really be taken to the next level. Yet, ‘Pagoda’ prices have softened in the last few years and, with a very sensible reserve, this example offers a great opportunity to sample this chic Sixties soft-top.