Restored between 1995 and 1997 and renovation between 2018 and 2021
Recent work includes a repaint and engine rebuild
Freshly serviced by Lux Classics
The Appeal
The W113-type Mercedes-Benz SL range had a hard – some would say virtually impossible – act to follow as successor to the 190SL but, remarkably, Stuttgart managed to produce something every bit as desirable as its celebrated predecessor, thanks to the brilliant æsthetic sensibility of stylist Paul Bracq and some advanced engineering.
Introduced as the 2.3-litre 230SL in 1963, the W113 evolved into the 2½-litre 250SL in December 1966 and ultimately turned into the 2.8-litre 280SL in January 1968, which remained until 1971. With its clean lines, luxurious trim and capable six-cylinder fuel-injected engines, the W113 was resoundingly well-received and nearly 49,000 were made over the course of production, of which over 19,000 were supplied to the USA.
A good number survives, meaning you might very well come across a 230SL or 280SL at a high-end car show, but you’re unlikely to find another 250SL any time soon, since only 5,196 were made, of which 1,761 were US-market cars with numerous subtle differences.
Not only is the 250SL the rarest W113, but some would say it’s also the best on account of the fact it retains the stiffer, sportier suspension of the 230SL but boasts a larger engine and disc brakes. With optional power-steering, this 250SL is so much like a modern car to drive, it’s uncanny. You could use this every day through the summer if you wanted to and, when it looks so good, why wouldn’t you?9VixfHhDo9LfASVGilGbW28kKQQYvpZzPND804KC.jpeg2.15 MB
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured in August 1967 and despatched to the USA
Originally finished in Dark Red
Also features optional power steering, automatic transmission and hardtop
Earliest recorded owner is John Daniel Love, an affluent businessman from Reidsville, North Carolina, who owned the SL in 1989
In the ownership of Dorothy Love, the SL underwent extensive restoration between 1995 and 1997, costing $27,000
Imported into Britain in 2013
Extensively renovated between 2018 and 2021 by Silchester Classics, including a repaint in period-correct Blue Grey Metallic with Navy Blue interior
Engine rebuilt with reconditioned cylinder head by Crewe Engines in 2021 for over £4800
Freshly serviced by well-respected Mercedes-Benz specialist Lux Classics
Paperwork includes the current V5, an invoice from Crewe Engines detailing the rebuild, number plate certification from the DVLA and a 2019-2020 MoT certificate
The car retains its original Owner’s Manual and service directory covering Africa, America, Asia and Australia
There is a very extensive collection of invoices and other paperwork dating from the ownership of the Loves of North Carolina
Retrimmed in a tasteful Navy Blue two or three years ago
Some light patina
As a North American car, gauges use imperial measurements
The W113 is often cited as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, but that’s a hotly-contested title. Car stylists, however, do not always give the same consideration to the interior as they do to the exterior. Fortunately, the SLs did not suffer from any such oversight. Without doubt, few sports cars offer a more pleasant interior than the W113, and this example is no exception.
The Navy Blue upholstery matched with cool grey carpets and a metallic Grey Blue dash panel creates an environment which is timeless and refined, and it’s all in an excellent condition. The interior was renovated at some point between 2018 and 2021, with Pagoda specialist Silchester Classics reupholstering the seats and installing new carpets.
We could not see anything to criticise in the seats, door cards or carpets. The compartment behind the seats is also more or less immaculate, and we might say the same for the interior of the boot. The headlining in the hardtop is generally very good, although it has a few small marks and holes.
It is only across the dash and centre console that any cosmetic wear is really in evidence. The steering wheel has some surface cracks and a little bit of plastic trim has broken around the gearbox gate. The attractive wooden stowage compartment has a few light chips and there are some marks on the surface of the sun visors and rear-view mirror, but such faults are purely cosmetic and, on the face of it, very minor.
On the plus side, a modern 1960s-style radio will make summer cruising very pleasant. Though it may not be concours, the interior is every bit as beautiful and usable as it ought to be.
Repainted in Grey Blue Metallic by Silchester Classics
Sold with the optional removable hardtop
Fitted with more elegant European bumpers
As the recipient of much cosmetic work in the past, including a repaint in Grey Blue Metallic and some rechroming, it’s no wonder this SL looks as good as it does. Being quite a restrained colour, it manages to look every bit as good on an overcast day as it does on a bright one, and the appearance is enhanced by the slim European bumpers, which do without the bulky overriders which American cars were required to carry.
The paint does show some very minor blemishes, but the car is still undoubtedly highly presentable and ripe for being shown. There are a few marks and chips, such as at the edge of the grille and at the front corner of the bonnet but the paint is, in general, in extremely good condition.
The chrome has been replated in the past but it now sports some light patina, save for the bumpers, which are not far from immaculate. Across the car, all the trim is generally in very good order including the badges, although the bonnet badge has suffered some superficial wear. All the glass appears to be in lovely condition but we did observe some very light, insignificant scratches on the rear light lenses.
Both the hardtop and the soft-top are very good, although, again, there is some patina on the hardtop’s brightwork. We also noticed that the hardtop’s window rubbers are perished and would probably benefit from being renewed, but that is hardly a pressing job. The hood was also replaced by Silchester Classics when the interior was renovated. Although very new, having been folded up for so long, when raised the hood curls up a little bit at its base, but it should not be difficult to straighten it. There are also one or two very light marks and nicks near its base.
Underneath, we are satisfied that the car looks very solid, which it ought to be as Silchester Classics’ work included fitting new floor pans and boot floor. The tyres also look in excellent condition.
Transmission, fuel-injection pump and power-steering pump rebuilt in the past
Running beautifully after its recent service
For a 1960s car, the 250SL is, quite simply, in a different league. Fuel injection, disc brakes and optional power-steering all made for a car which was far ahead of its time, and which has hardly dated. Driving it around, we found it as light and smooth as the SLK Mercedes of the millennium, but with better rear visibility! But, of course, it still has that firmness which makes 1960s cars so satisfying to drive.
In 2021, the Mercedes was treated to an engine rebuild by Crewe Engines Ltd., which came to over £4000 and included rebalancing the crank and machining the block for new cylinder liners. A reconditioned cylinder head was fitted. We are also aware that the transmission has been overhauled, with Silchester Classics fitting a new torque converter and flywheel.
It has just emerged from the workshops of Lux Classics, which has given it a full service with new plugs, points and HT leads. Lux also recalibrated the fuel-injection pump and resealed the cold-start valve, fitted a Bowden cable for the transmission and a modern, uprated fuel pump. As a result, it motors along delightfully; it’s quiet, refined and as comfortable as a featherbed.
Although, without a current MoT certificate, we cannot make any guarantees as to the SL’s roadworthiness, it was last tested in 2019, when it passed with the single advisory point that there was some slight play in the kingpins. Of course, it has seen very limited use over the past two years so we do not think it is likely to have deteriorated in any way since then.
Chic and sporty, the W113 Mercedes is irrefutably one of the motor industry’s crowning achievements of the 1960s. British sports-cars are one thing, but the Mercedes is in a different league in terms of style and sophistication.
Any W113 is a lovely thing to own, but the 250SL is arguably the best, and it’s certainly the rarest. They don’t come up for sale too often, and this one represents one of the best you can buy. There’s a little bit of scope for cosmetic improvement, which can be attended to at your leisure, but it’s as beautiful as any we’ve seen and wants for nothing mechanically. It would be ideal for shows or town driving, and it’s ready to use right away.
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