Lot 214: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Pagoda

In March 1963 the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, replacing the much acclaimed 190 SL and 300 SL models. Like its 190 SL predecessor, its mechanical elements were derived from a contemporary saloon, in this instance the popular 220 SE model. The 230 SL's 2.3 litre engine was an enlarged version of its fuel injected, six cylinder, overhead camshaft unit and there was the option of automatic or manual transmission. Suspension was all independent with a low pivot swing axle at the rear. Mercedes-Benz engineering integrity, together with elegance and practicality, made the 'pagoda' top SL cars among the most distinctive designs of the era, in closed form offering handsome proportions and coupé-like comfort and with the hard top removed offering lively open-top performance. It is largely thanks to these attributes that they remain so universally popular today and command such a large market following. The hard top designed by Paul Bracq for the 230 SL showed real individuality - at that time no other cars featured as modern a design as this - the shape of which is similar to that of a Chinese pagoda house, hence the nickname. In 1967 it was joined by the 250SL model which was produced for just one year, making it the rarest of the W113 series of cars by Mercedes-Benz. The main changes from the 230SL were the use of a 2.5 litre engine and the addition of rear disc brakes. The 250 SL otherwise retained the stiffer suspension and sporting feel of the 230 SL but provided significantly improved performance, especially given the engine's wider power band. Of the 5,196 250 SLs built, 3,808 cars were exported, 1,791 of which went to America. Chassis number 11304322002762, with automatic transmission, was first registered on 23rd August 1967, and is finished in Sandstone with a tan and brown interior. Fitted with a rear seat, power assisted steering and a stereo system, the car also comes complete with a full service history. A truly splendid machine and a very special Mercedes-Benz, this is an opportunity to own a fine piece of classic German engineering.