Whilst the 250SL is the rarest variant of the fabulous Mercedes-Benz Pagodas, there are actually two versions of the 250SL. The first series featured the more stylish 230SL chrome fittings and dashboard whilst gaining mechanical upgrades including the new seven-bearing engine and rear disc brakes. The second or final version of the 250SL had the later 280SL trim and fittings, where expensive chrome was replaced by cheaper alternatives. Unsurprisingly, it is the early 250SL’s that are the rarest and most desirable of all the W113 Pagodas.

This early 250SL was delivered new to the US and was first owned by J W Eaves who founded the Eaves Movie Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico where films such as the Cheyenne Social Club were shot. Fitted with an automatic gearbox and power steering, the car was finished in Papyrus White with Navy Blue MB-Tex.

The warm weather of NM has been very kind to this car for it still retains its original panels and the under bonnet displays factory spot welds for the front wings. The alloy bonnet also shows the original body number. The panel fit around the doors is great, as it should be!

The interior retains great and rare originality with MB-Tex seat trim, carpets and rare rubber floor mats all being as it left the factory. A new set of seat belts have been fitted. The early coloured heater controls are present and the Blaupunkt Frankfurt radio which was a dealer fitment when new, is also present though not currently fitted.

The original Mercedes book pack which comprises handbook, spare parts catalogue and service book is present plus the rare dealer plate which shows the matching numbers engine and body number 115, plus paint code 717G, and date of 29th May 1967, presumably when it was sold new.

A small amount of US history is on file, including copies of old US registrations dated 1977 and 1978 when it was in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and a vehicle appraisal form dated 26th March 1987 notes the mileage to be 69, 354 miles at that time. It is believed that this car arrived in the UK in 2015/ 16 and was registered with the DVLA on 1st August 2018. According to invoices on file, initial mechanical works totalling £22, 000 were carried out, which included the fitment of a new Navy soft top, a new fuel tank, a new Whitewall tyres, suspension overhaul and major servicing. Further works at a cost of £2, 661 were carried out in March 2020. In April 2021 a new exhaust and works costing £2, 266. Following a change of owner in June 2021, service works totalling £1132 were carried out including a full service in April 2023. Following a 600 mile trip last summer, Paul Sumner at Roger Edwards Motors carried out further works costing £4, 000. Invoices documenting all the above works are on file.

In summary, this is a very sound usable example of the classic Mercedes-Benz pagoda finished in the original colour scheme and now available at a very sensible price.