Lot 331: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL Convertible

‘Every driver who has more than a purely utilitarian interest in automobiles should drive a Mercedes-Benz 250SL at least once in his life. The car is an almost perfect yardstick against which to measure any other car. There are cars with better acceleration, cars with better brakes, cars with better roadholding. But there is no car we can think of that has such a remarkable good balance of performance, safety and comfort, and has them in such an absolutely civilised structure.’ - Car & Driver.
First produced late in 1966, the 250SL used the same bodyshell as the 230SL that had founded this spectacularly successful sportscar dynasty, and which it replaced. Minor improvements were made to the interior, but the major differences were the new 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine - as fitted to the 250SE - and disc brakes instead of drums at the rear. The new car’s top speed of around 120mph remained the same, but the larger engine significantly improved flexibility and responsiveness. The 250SL was built for just one full production year before being superseded by the 280SL and is thus one of the rarest of the family. Christened ‘pagoda top’ after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their era and are highly sought after today.
This right-hand drive 250SL affords the convenience of four-speed automatic transmission and is finished in red with magnolia leather interior. ‘MCR 457F’ was purchased at Bonhams’ sale at the RAF Museum, Hendon on 18th April 2005 (Lot 613) and since acquisition by the lady owner has been used as a second car by her and her husband. The 2.5-litre engine was replaced in 2006 with the larger 2.8-litre unit, affording increased power and torque, and the car has been recently serviced by Roger Edwards Motors, which had maintained it for the previous owner together with Normand Ltd. This recent service included work to the fuel system and brakes. Described by the private vendor as in good condition throughout, the car comes complete with factory hardtop, but does not have the equivalent soft-top, and is offered with sundry service invoices, current road fund licence, MoT to October 2008 and Swansea V5 registration document. A timeless classic and iconic motor car that still represents great value for money today.