1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL W113 Pagoda

The 1960s were a rapid period of motor racing development, and Mercedes-Benz leveraged its rich pedigree to craft the iconic W113 platform. Synthesising the high-performance virtues of the 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ with the refined practicality of the 190 SL, the resultant W113 offered a beautifully sprung ride with complete ride absorption, exceptional comfort, and exhilarating performance. It stood out visually with its simple, crisp, and lean contours, complementing the distinguished and robust superstructures typical of the Mercedes range. Inside, the cabin prioritised driver harmony through thoughtful ergonomics, well-arranged pedals, a natural driving position tailored to almost any stature, deeply padded supportive seats, and generous boot space perfect for a long weekend away.

Adding to the brand's sense of exclusivity, the 250 SL was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1967 and built upon the original 1963 design to demonstrate just how capably the W113 chassis could accommodate additional power. Its newly engineered 2. 5-litre power plant delivered enhanced torque and brisk acceleration, rewarding driver enthusiasts with a signature fuel-injected thrum and a rich, throaty exhaust note, as well as sharing the ease of servicing found in later engines. Produced for just 11 months, the 250 SL is the rarest iteration of the iconic ‘Pagoda’ range.

While most models were left-hand drive and came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, manual examples were produced in limited numbers and mainly with a four-speed manual transmission. Mercedes-Benz had, however, introduced the optional ZF S5-20 5-speed manual gearbox in May 1966 to improve high-speed cruising, reduce engine noise, and wear at high speeds, and give drivers closer control over the power band of the high-revving inline-six engine. A mere 112 units received the ZF five-speed gearbox worldwide and across the entire W113 production run (230 SL, 250 SL, and 280 SL), experts estimate that only 35 right-hand-drive cars were ever specified with the ZF five-speed. Today, surviving UK-registered, RHD 250 SLs featuring this rare and valuable option are extraordinarily scarce, with specialists believing fewer than five exist.