Description
This is one of our favourite models and the Pagoda market always bucks the trends, they are always in demand! This is a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL, Automatic, Power Steering, UK Supplied Right Hand Drive car finished in Light Metallic Blue with Blue Interior. She comes with Dark Blue Hard and Soft Tops, is super rare in Right Hand Drive, and in the ultimate colour scheme!
In the spring of 1963, Mercedes-Benz debuted an all-new roadster to replace the 190SL and 300SL - the 230SL. The 230SL 'Pagoda' was a stunning Paul Bracq designed two-seat convertible that followed Mercedes' new design language, featuring crisp lines and upright headlights. The 230SL was fitted with a prominent three-pointed star in its grill as a reference to the already iconic 300SL. To save on weight, the hood, door skins, trunk lid, and tonneau cover were all composed of aluminum. The nickname 'Pagoda' was quickly adopted thanks to the slightly concave roof on the optional removable hardtop that resembled a pagoda roof. Although controversial at its introduction, these SLs are now considered a masterpiece of design. The stylish Mercedes-Benz W113 debuted at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the touring-focused W113 SL was a huge success, with 48, 912 sold in 9 years, and is now considered a true masterpiece of design and engineering. Legendary Mercedes Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Technical Director Fritz Nallinger developed the chassis, while designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi styled the car under the direction of Friedrich Geiger. A highlight of the elegantly trim body was Berenyi's patented concave hardtop, which earned it the "Pagoda" moniker. Like the best designs, the W113 has proven timeless in its appeal.
Underpinning the body was a chassis based on the W111 sedan. With independent front suspension, patented low-pivot swing-axle rear suspension and powerful disc brakes, the SL is remarkably sure-footed and effortless to drive. The aluminum hood, trunk lid, doors and tonneau cover keep weight down to 2900 lbs., so the W113 is quite svelte for a luxury Grand Tourer. The virtually indestructible fuel-injected SOHC Inline-6 was decades ahead of the competition. The 250SL, built only from December 1966 to January 1968, makes 150bhp from 2496cc with significantly improved performance thanks to more torque and a wider powerband.
Our car was registered new in the UK on the 27th July 1967, and has, incredibly, only had three owners from new, the first owner keeping the car from 1967 to 1978, 11 years, then the second owner, prolific Ferrari collector and wealthy Sheffield-based engineering entrepreneur, Mel Farrar of Sheffield, bought the car and used her for a further 3 years then 1978 to 1981, then, finally, a Mr Alan Henderson of Bishop Auckland, owned the car from 1981 to last Month, over 44 years!! She was only being sold as part of a deceased estate, he loved the car that much, he never sold her! We have MOT's going back to the mid Eighties when the mileage was at 66k and she is now showing 83k Miles which may well be the correct amount from new, and looking at the interior, that feels about right. The last MOT was last year and she passed with no advisories at all, so she is a solid thing. She has been in storage for a few years so would benefit from a thorough service and fluid change for your own peace of mind, the original 250 engine was upgraded to a 280 unit and rebuilt in the early Eighties and the car is now badged as a 280SL.
This is a lovely example that looks very nice indeed, you can add value on the cosmetic side over the next few years if you want a perfect example. It is a desirable model in the most desirable colour scheme. LHD US Cars are filling the market but UK Right Hand Drive Cars are the most valuable and desirable. Restored values are over £200, 000 regularly now, so this looks to be one of the cheapest RHD 250SL's that we could see. This car also has the Hard and Soft Tops, do not confuse this with the hardtop only California Coupe's which are far cheaper. Please be quick as this will soon be sorted and up for £50k more!
