1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL ‘Pagoda’
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Highlights
- Huge history file
- Matching numbers UK car
- Full body restoration in 2021 (£10k+)
- Engine rebuild and chassis overhaul in 2015 (£10k+)
- Original service book stamped from 1968-2019
- Original MB-Tex interior
- Hard- and soft-tops
The Appeal
This Pagoda is a real rarity: the 250 SL was by far the least numerous Pagoda, and the one with the shortest production run. This model replaced the 230 in December 1966, with the final 250 being built in November ’67 – it is, in essence, an evolutionary bridge between the early 230 and late 280 models, and this particular example has an intriguing history. A 1967 model, it was first registered with the DVLA in 1980, and we can see from the history file that it lived in France from the 1990s through to 2014.
Amazingly, the original service book is stamped from 1968 right up to 2019, and we can see that the real turning point for this car’s adventures came in 2015. This was the year when it was brought back to the UK, and had well in excess of £10,000 lavished upon it – including a full engine rebuild, extensive chassis refurbishment, new seals and all sorts.
Fast-forward to 2021, and the Pagoda went to Pool Lane Classics for a full body resto (another £10k+). So the bodywork is gorgeous, the mechanicals are tip-top, and it’s still got its original MB-Tex interior along with its hard- and soft-tops.
It's beautiful to behold and it drives like a dream, meaning this is a car with a lot to offer. And it really is one for the connoisseurs… we’d urge any dyed-in-the-wool Pagoda experts to check this car out, you won’t be disappointed!
The History and Paperwork
- V5
- Original service book – stamped from 1968 through to 2019
- Original books and manuals
- CD of images documenting full body restoration (2021)
- 2021 – Pool Lane Classics – list of works carried out for full body restoration
- Invoice for above restoration work - £10,656
- Valuation certificates: £84,500 (2015), and £113,000 (2023)
- 2022 – invoice for £2,377 – rear axle reconditioning
- 2021 – invoice for £940 – wheel bearings and tie rod ends
- Sheaf of old MOT certificates
- 2015 – invoice for £705 – roof and door seals, etc
- 2015 – invoice for £3,636 – audio upgrades, header tank recon, electric window switches, etc
- 2015 – invoice for £226 – custom seatbelts and trims
- 2015 – invoice for £3,277 – kingpins, trunnions, speedo cable, etc
- 2015 – invoice for £200 – steering box recon
- 2015 – invoice for £500 – cylinder block re-bored, head rebuilt with new valves
- 2015 – invoice for £2,215 – new pistons, rods, bearings, etc
- Extensive receipts for maintenance from the car’s time in France
The Condition
- Full body resto
- Becker Mexico audio
- Electric windows
The Pagoda looks arguably at its prettiest when finished in white, and this car certainly proved to be a real head-turner on our test drive through south London. The body restoration has been carried out to an impressive standard; the paint is all pleasingly presented and the panel gaps are nice and even. The soft-top is in very good order, and is easy to raise, affix and lower, while the contrasting black hard-top is also in great condition, and even has the original dealer sticker in the back window.
All of the correct exterior trim is in place, and the light lenses and window glass are in good condition. The wheels wear colour-coded white hubcaps, and a matching set of Michelin MXV tyres.
The interior is very well presented, with the original MB-Tex trim on the seats and good carpets beneath. A wind deflector is fitted in the rear, and the cabin also benefits from a Becker Mexico radio-cassette unit which has a 3.5mm input jack hidden away inside the glovebox.
The inside and outside lights on the glovebox lid work properly, and the car is fitted with electric windows which also operate as they should. The dash is unmarked, the dials work correctly, and the wood trim on the dashtop is free from sun damage. The car has been fitted with a taller centre armrest incorporating a lockable storage unit.
Inside the boot we find a spare wheel in the correct cover, plus Mercedes-Benz first aid kit and fully stocked tool roll.
The Mechanics
- Engine rebuilt in 2015
- Rear axle reconditioned in 2022
- The 250 SL came with disc brakes all around as standard
The crucial thing about this Pagoda is that it sounds right – so many examples are fitted with aftermarket or pattern exhausts which dull the characterful tone, but this 250 sounds exactly as it ought to.
Indeed, it’s an impressive mechanical package overall. In 2015, the engine was rebuilt, which involved re-boring the block, rebuilding the head with new valves and seats, sourcing brand new pistons and rods directly from Mercedes-Benz, and plenty more. In addition, the chassis has enjoyed extensive works to get it all as it should be, from reconditioning the rear axle and the steering box to renewing the wheel bearings and tie rod ends, kingpins, trunnions and so on. The result is a car that’s highly dependable and an absolute joy to drive.
You really need to try it to believe it, this car is so wonderfully smooth to drive and feels solid enough that you could take it anywhere, no matter how far, with consummate ease.
Summary
This is a truly impressive example of the breed. It’s often said that old SLs make such popular classics because you can drive them like new cars, and that’s very much the case with this one: it starts first time with ease, idles smoothly and quietly, accelerates briskly, and rides with superlative comfort. The seals have been renewed and the chassis overhauled so there are no noises or rattles, it all feels very tight.
And with a few handy creature comforts – such as the electric windows, power steering and Becker stereo – it’s got everything you need to make every journey a breeze. How can you resist…?
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller of this vehicle is registered as a business seller. And you are covered by Car & Classic’s Terms and Conditions.
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it's always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. If requested we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
Vehicle specification
- Year 1967
- Make Mercedes
- Model SL Class
- Colour White
- Odometer 62,633 Miles
- Engine size 2496
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Wandsworth
- Location London
- Country United Kingdom
8
bids
from 5
bidders
- tony-ye•••• £79,000 07/05/24
- young.d•••• £78,000 07/05/24
- tony-ye•••• £77,000 07/05/24
- young.d•••• £76,000 07/05/24
- tony-ye•••• £75,000 06/05/24
- MHoll £21,000 06/05/24
- Wrevie £20,500 06/05/24
- pcunnin•••• £20,000 06/05/24
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