Among W113-Series Mercedes, the 250SL is the one to get if you’re shopping. And to kick it up a notch further, look for a Euro-spec example with a manual transmission, like this car. Although it’s had a so-so repaint and been parked since 1990, this is still an impressively solid car in perhaps the best spec possible. A hardtop is included and the seller confirms the engine turns freely. Find it here on eBay with a $45,000 Buy-It-Now.
The Mercedes was originally silver, and that hue with the red leather interior must have been striking. When the repaint was performed, it went so far as to color match the hubcaps to the new exterior. Regardless, for a survivor like this, the original color should be applied. The most desirable of the Pagodas would be a 250SL like this with the optional 5-speed manual and a limited-slip; however, this one is still a pretty close second.
When the repaint was performed, I’m curious if the interior was also restored. To be fair, it could be to the same middle-of-the-road quality as the seller mentions when describing the paint job. But at the very least, you’ve got a car you can live with while you hunt down the critical injection pump, which is missing on this car. The seller says some linkage has gone AWOL as well, but if all else fails, Mercedes’ classic division could likely supply spares.
Automotive critics at the time applauded the 250SLs more usable power band, as horsepower increases were nominal over the 230SL but the overall meatiness of the torque curve was much improved. This car likely stands the potential to appreciate over time, even at the current asking price. W113s have been enjoying a steady rise in value over the last few years, and a gray market car with glass headlights and a manual transmission is sure to catch a W113 enthusiast’s eye.
With apologies to Mazda, these are Great Little Cars. I’ve driven a couple of automatic 250s, and if they were a bit on the slow side, they were also beautifully crafted, comfortable, and gorgeous.
If this had the five-speed, perhaps the flipper might have already gotten some interest. The price is far too high in my view, especially considering the parts the next owner will be forced to buy before they do anything else.
I’m sure the M-B Classic Center has everything you’d need. Be sure to bring money if you go there! I visited the Stuttgart CC years ago; they had a cylinder head for a 540K, but I recall the price as being near what a new small M-B would cost.
Never mind that. If I could afford my ideal collection of ten cars or so, one might well be a 250….
Agreed, Ray. Every one of these that I’ve sat in, restored or not, has had that classic bank vault feel that made Mercedes the company it is. I wouldn’t pay the current asking prices for one, but if I could buy a sensibly ratty one for short money, I’d give it a go. Those days are behind us, however.
And it is sold….
Among the W113 series SLs, the 250 is the one NOT to get.
Why? Engine reliability issues which forced Daimler to abandon the engine after just 1 year and about 8,000 250SLs built.
Rarer is not always better . . .
This is a new one on me, Bill. The first 280SL/SE engines were prone to early failure, hence many were changed out under warranty. The 250’s were healthy enough but by 1968 the M130 280 engine was ready to go, so the change took place.
Always liked the SLs. A gentleman’s sports car.
No guys, this did NOT sell. It was relisted with a reserve sans “buy it now” price. Perhaps the original “buyer” backed out after learning what was actually missing. Top current bid is a bit over 15K, reserve unmet. I was stationed in Germany during ’67 and one of my fellow officers had one of these and another had the SL with the smaller engine. Comfy cruisers to me. Neither could stay with me on the Autobahn. P.S. I had a brand new ’67 Fairlane GTA…