Highlights
- Rare “California Coupé” model in European specification
- Engine replaced with a correct 2.5-litre unit around 12,000 km ago
- Highly sought-after metallic silver paint, red leather interior and matching hard-top
- Complete respray carried out at the end of 2024
- Engine and gearbox servicing carried out in 2025
- Sale with a recent MOT inspection
The appeal
We’re confident this metallic silver 250 SL should win over enthusiasts who appreciate the details and rarer configurations.
The California Coupé is part of an estimated run of around 5,200 cars produced worldwide. Primarily aimed at the American market, these cars stand out thanks to the addition of a rear bench in place of the disappearing soft-top hood, which was removed to allow this configuration.
Today, these versions are especially prized for their rarity and unusual specificity.
This 1967 W113 is believed to be a French-origin car, in the hands of its current owner for the last ten or so years. The owner states that it has always proved reliable, as you’d expect from an in-line six-cylinder M129 engine, here paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
The car is presented in its much-loved combination of metallic silver and red leather. The bodywork has benefited from a repaint in 2024 and is in very good overall condition.
The engine is said to have been replaced around 12,000 km ago, according to the information provided. Recent work also includes an stainless-steel exhaust system with a lifetime guarantee, along with attention paid to the brake assistance and braking system.
Servicing was carried out in June 2025, while the gearbox received an oil change at the start of the year. The car hasn’t covered many miles since.
It will be sold with a recent MOT inspection. A lovely example, particularly appealing in this specification.
History and documentation
- First registration: 1967
- French original car, factory “California Coupé” specification
- Current ownership since around 10 years
- 23,747 km indicated
- Speedometer replaced, or it has plausibly covered the full circuit
- Real mileage potentially higher than shown
- Expert report confirming a replacement engine fitted by Mercedes at around 11,600 km
- Normal V5C
- Service history described by the seller as average
- MOT inspection to be carried out at the point of sale
Condition
- California Coupé without a soft-top, with matching hard-top
- Full professional paint correction/respray at the end of 2024
- Metallic silver paint in very good condition in the photos
- Straight bodywork, with no reported accident damage
- Body and paintwork judged to be in very good condition
- A few minor imperfections and slight signs of wear reported
- Additional long-range driving lights fitted
- Red leather interior with matching carpeting
- Clean cabin, showing only light wear consistent with its age
- Original Becker radio preserved
The cabin
The silver-on-red colour combination is among the most iconic looks of the W113. This car presents particularly well thanks to its full respray in 2024.
It comes with its matching hard-top. As a California Coupé, it does not have the disappearing soft-top hood.
The red leather interior is in very good overall condition, with only light wear consistent with a well-maintained car. It retains its original Becker radio.
The rear bench has been replaced with a bench covered in carpet, but it could be restored by a SL specialist.
Mechanical
- Replacement 2.5-litre M129 in-line six-cylinder engine, fitted around 12,000 km ago
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- Power steering
- Power-assisted braking and new brake components
- Engine and gearbox servicing carried out in 2025
- Stainless-steel exhaust line with lifetime guarantee
- Car judged reliable and enjoyable to drive
- Sale with recent MOT inspection
Conclusion
The current owner has owned the car for around 10 years and says it has always been reliable. The engine is believed to have been replaced with a 2.5-litre in-line six-cylinder unit, and the car retains the highly sought-after 4-speed manual gearbox.
The recent work—particularly on the brakes—as well as engine and gearbox servicing in 2025, makes this a properly refreshed example, ready to enjoy.
It will be sold with an up-to-date MOT inspection.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions.
✓ We require that non-refundable fees are paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and general terms and conditions for the specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “sold as seen”, on a “buyer’s own inspection, as is where is” basis and without any warranty. The photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full vehicle inspection before 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 price of the offer or submission, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want the transaction to go smoothly, just as you do, and that’s why UK-registered cars and motorcycles listed on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they do not show any insurance database markers for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off following a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide category write-off labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it’s still useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or arranging delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
