Highlights
- Rare 250SL variant
- Presentable example with scope for improvement
- Factory hard top still present
The Appeal
When it came to market in 1963, the W113 era Mercedes SL turned heads and appealed to buyers almost immediately. New angular design saw the coveted model taken in an entirely new direction styling wise, whilst remaining true to the core values of what made the SL continually popular and a leader in the luxury convertible market.
With an incredibly short production run, the 250SL W113, such as the example we see here, is arguably the rarest of the bunch and therefore tends to demand a great premium in the collector car market. This 1967 left hand drive example presents one with an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire a well presented 250SL with great scope for improvement that is still entirely usable in the meantime. With good bodywork and in great mechanical order, this is certainly one for the devoted Mercedes enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 01/01/1967
- Brought into the UK in June of 2022
- Fully UK registered
- Accompanied by correct V5 registration document
- MOT and tax exempt due to historic status of the car
- Printed readout of tracking and alignment performed on the car in late 2022
- Whilst the Mercedes is MOT exempt, the car does hold a current MOT, valid until April 2023
- Dry stored throughout current ownership
The Interior
- Well presented highly original interior space
- Good quality blue upholstery throughout
- Excellent carpeting across the cabin
- Period dash mounted Blaupunkt radio
Charming and stylishly, marvellously nostalgic. The suave cabin of the 250SL is an undoubtedly special place to be. In fine original form, boasting good quality upholstery across the board, this 250 has excellent potential to become a true show winner with just light interior refurbishment.
Two excellent and refurbished seats take precedence within the interior space, a rich navy upholstery highlights very little in the way of wear and blemishing and instead emphasises impeccable stitching and cushioning amongst other signs of the finest quality Mercedes craftsmanship. The vendor notes that the carpet has been replaced. Continuing the navy motif are the two door panels, of a similarly high quality, neatly detailed off with smart and well preserved door furniture and chrome trim.
Linking in is the exceptional curved dash panel, mixing yet more navy with body coloured yellow panelling and a cluster of chrome trim and switchgear, all of which is in truly fine form and is understood to be working well. Protruding outward is the contrasting white Mercedes steering wheel. While the rim and decorative chrome rings are in good shape, the centre of the wheel would likely benefit from some attention to bring it up to standard.
At the rear we find a simple and clean boot area, within which sits a full size spare wheel.
The vendor tells us that the radio, temperature gauge and rev counter do not work, but otherwise all the instruments and switchgear are in good working order.
The vendor tells us that the radio, temperature gauge and rev counter do not work, but otherwise all the instruments and switchgear are in good working order.
Overall this is a well presented interior space, neat clean with just the signs of age one almost comes to expect in a car of this age. Well stocked with what seem to be all the important original features, light TLC and refurbishment can see this become a truly remarkable cabin.
The Exterior
- Iconic, gorgeous exterior styling
- Rare yellow and navy colour scheme
- Well presented with good chrome trim
- Removable hard top roof
The W113 was a far cry from its predecessors when it came to styling. Straight, angular lines took the place of the more rounded and curved body panels found on its SL forebears. A radical new direction for the marque, this was certainly a risk, but one that paid dividends for Mercedes. The W113 was and still is regarded as one of the finest looking automobiles of all time, and garners adoring looks from just about everyone. With its sloped lines, lashings of chrome trim and distinctive roof, it is undeniably a handsome automobile.
This particular example looks rather dashing in its pale yellow paint scheme. A rare colour choice indeed made rarer by the navy colouring on the factory removable hard top roof. The paint throughout is in good shape and is entirely presentable with a deep shine across the board, but does have a general showing of age in some areas.
Chrome trim sits proudly across the bodywork and is in good order, with a great quality shine exuding throughout. The gorgeous front and rear bumpers, decorative headlight trim and aerodynamic wiper panels really do work well to set the car off from an aesthetic perspective.
Of course one of the main features of the SL comes in the form of the aforementioned factory hard top roof. Bold in its navy hue, the roof unlatches comfortably and with ease and can then be lifted off to thoroughly transform the look of the Mercedes and provide an excellent open top experience whilst behind the wheel.
We're told by the vendor that the floor panels and sills have been replaced and welded as necessary, ensuring the car has a firm base.
We're told by the vendor that the floor panels and sills have been replaced and welded as necessary, ensuring the car has a firm base.
At ground level sit four good quality wheels with decorative Mercedes wheel trims. These present well but do exhibit some signs of age and blemishing to the paint finish in areas. We're informed by the vendor that the tyres have been renewed.
The Mechanics
- Legendary, robust driveline
- Great overall mechanical order
- Desirable automatic transmission
When Mercedes really were the last name in mechanical engineering. The 1960s saw some of the finest overengineering seen within the automotive industry almost all at the hands of the legendary marque. These cars were built to work and to last the ages.
The 2.5 litre straight six found under the bonnet of this particular example appears to be in fine form. Presenting in good honest shape and firing into life comfortably, with a suitable idle following closely behind. Ideal for touring, the automatic transmission equipped to the car is smooth and provides quality crisp gear changes. We're told by the vendor that the engine has been completely rebuilt and benefits from a new radiator and exhaust system.
On the road the car is reported to provide a genuinely great refined drive that could only come from a Mercedes of this era.
On the road the car is reported to provide a genuinely great refined drive that could only come from a Mercedes of this era.
Summary
Undeniably cool, unquestionably stylish and increasingly rare. The W113 250SL is a truly special car indeed, and one that will surely win the heart of just about any devoted Mercedes enthusiast.
Demand for these simply gorgeous Pagoda SLs appears to be on an endless upward high which makes what we have here that little bit more special. Well presented and entirely usable, this marvellous yellow roadster has excellent scope to become a true concours show winner at the hands of a new loving owner.
Notice to bidders
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