Highlights

Rare 250SL "single year of production"
One of only 5,200 units built
Desirable metallic silver over red
Current ownership for over 12 years
Replacement engine installed by Mercedes with expert documentation on file
Professionally repainted late 2024
Four-speed manual transmission with power steering
The car will be sold with a new, virginal French MOT

The Appeal

The W113 250 SL Pagoda holds a unique position in the Mercedes-Benz sports car lineage. Produced for a single model year with only 5,200 examples built for worldwide distribution, it's comfortably the rarest of the three Pagoda variants.

This example registered in France, California specification, displays a beautiful combination of Silver over a Red interior and arrives on the market in good condition following a professional repaint in 2024. A replacement engine was installed by Mercedes, since which the car has covered minimal mileage. Recent mechanical work includes new brakes and servo, as well as a stainless steel exhaust system.

Supplied with a color-matched hardtop, the seller states the car is in very good condition, drives well, and is very reliable. For those seeking the rarest of the three Pagodas in good usable condition, this 250 SL deserves careful consideration.

History and Documentation

Original French model, California specification
Registered in France with standard French registration
Current ownership for approximately ten years
Registration in the seller's name
Expert report confirming replacement engine installed by Mercedes at 11,600 km
Odometer reads 23,747 km (total mileage is higher)
The car is sold with a virginal contrôle technique that was carried out in July, valid for 2 years with no advisories

Condition

Professionally repainted late 2024
All panels reported straight with no accident damage
Seller rates bodywork and paint as very good with few imperfections
Interior presents well with wear proportionate to age
Original radio installed
Color-matched hardtop included; no soft top provided

The color combination of this W113, metallic silver over red, is one of the most popular, and it's easy to see why. On this car, it's particularly well presented as the car has been professionally repainted in 2024. There are a few points to note in the photos, but nothing that detracts from the overall positive impression.

The interior also presents well and features nice touches such as the original radio.

Mechanics

2.5-liter inline six-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Power steering
Replacement engine installed at 11,600 km
Current engine block has covered approximately 12,000 km
New brakes and servo installed
Stainless steel exhaust system with lifetime warranty
Seller states the car drives well and is very reliable

The car was very recently left in the care of Bracq Heritage Bordeaux (the designers of the Pagoda) for a total revision which included, amongst many adjustments, replacing the power steering fluid and filter and replacement brake master cylinder, with a sizeable bill to support.
Other work has included brake work and a stainless steel exhaust.

To conclude, the 2.5-liter engine was a short-lived and now rare option for the W113 and suits the car well, particularly when paired with the 4-speed manual transmission. This car's engine has been replaced and subsequently covered approximately 12,000 km. It's equipped with power steering.

Other work has included brake work and a stainless steel exhaust.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's Terms and Conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and Terms and Conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only and it is customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to run smoothly, just as you do, and that's why vehicles registered in the UK and listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not subject to a financial lien, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as a result of a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category markers (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a marker does not, however, guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can assist you. For more details and to speak with the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.