Description
Some cars define an era. Others quietly carry it forward.
The W113 250SL; often overshadowed by the earlier 230SL and later 280SL, yet in many ways the most interesting of the three. Produced for a relatively short period between 1966 and 1968, the 250 bridges the gap: more torque and usability than the 230, without the added weight and complexity of the 280. It retains the lightness and delicacy of the original concept, but with a more relaxed, usable character. A sweet spot, if you know what you’re looking at.
And in automatic form, it makes even more sense today.
Cars of this era were never about outright pace; they were about the way they moved. The four-speed automatic suits the 250SL’s nature perfectly – smooth, unhurried, and entirely in keeping with the car’s grand touring brief. In 2026, that usability becomes even more relevant. It’s a car you can actually enjoy, not just admire. Easy to drive, easy to place, and capable of being used properly rather than reserved for occasional outings.
This particular example has been part of the same story for over three decades.
Owned by its current custodian in the Surrey Hills since 1990, it was acquired showing 106, 000 miles. Shortly thereafter, it was entrusted to the now-retired Richard Miles of Wandsworth for a full engine rebuild – a name well respected among those familiar with these cars. Since that work, it has covered just over 44, 000 miles, used as intended but always with care.
In 2010, the interior was refreshed by renowned specialists D:Class. The work was comprehensive: new blue soft top, re-trimmed seats, seat belts, soft top seals, under-dash trims, door card wood and speakers – all executed to a standard that feels appropriate rather than overdone. The addition of a Becker Europa head unit sits perfectly within the cabin, maintaining the period-correct aesthetic while offering usability.
As you would hope, the history file is extensive. Years of documentation, regular servicing records and a substantial collection of MOT certificates paint a clear picture of consistent, considered ownership. This is not a car that has been maintained on a shoestring; it has been looked after properly, over time.
More recently, it has benefitted from approximately £9, 000 of remedial work alongside a full major service, ensuring it is presented in strong mechanical health. Works include tappet adjustment, coolant flush, replacement of all belts, ignition service, new front shocks and drop links, a complete new exhaust system, new front calipers and pads, and thorough cleaning of the engine, gearbox and differential. The result is a car that is on the button – starting readily, driving cleanly, and delivering the kind of composed, mechanical feel you want from a W113.
This is not a concours, fully restored example. It has not been taken back to bare metal, nor over-restored beyond recognition. Instead, it remains an honest, genuine Pagoda. The paintwork, for a car of nearly 60 years that has not undergone a full respray, presents well, that speaks to its originality. The underside follows suit- untouched, un-restored, and therefore offering the next owner the opportunity, should they wish, to take it further cosmetically.
For some, this will be exactly what they are looking for: a usable, mechanically sorted W113 with history, integrity and the ability to be enjoyed immediately. For others, it presents a compelling base for a full aesthetic restoration – perhaps even a bare-metal respray to a preferred colour, without undoing years of careful mechanical upkeep.
Either way, it is a rare thing to find a Pagoda with this level of long-term ownership, documented history and honest presentation.
A car that has lived properly – and is ready to continue doing so.
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