This Pagoda is a very interesting model indeed: the 250 SL was by far the least numerous Pagoda, and the one with the shortest production run. This model replaced the 230 in December 1966, with the final 250 being built in November ’67 – it is, in essence, an evolutionary bridge between the early 230 and late 280 models, and this particular example has an intriguing history.

A 1967 car, it’s what’s known as a California Coupe – a variant that came with the removable factory hard-top, but no soft-top. The absence of the canvas hood allowed a little extra space in the rear, meaning that there was room for a generously-padded rear bench which wouldn’t have fitted into a regular Pagoda.

This car has been in the UK since 2014, with part of its life having previously been spent in the Netherlands. It comes complete with a robust history file, showing that during its time in the UK it’s had a lot of money spent on keeping it tip-top, by specialists including The SL Shop – who provided a certificate in June of this year valuing the car at £60,000.

A delightfully presented example that’s wonderful to drive, this car represents a more affordable way into Pagoda ownership than the top-tier soft-top 280s, while retaining every single bit of the driving pleasure and head-turning presence.

 

You can see why silver is such a sought-after colour for the Pagoda, it just suits those elegant lines so well. And this car certainly proved to be a real head-turner on our test drive through south London! The paintwork is all pleasingly presented, with the bonnet and front wings having been treated to a bare-metal repaint at The SL Shop in 2021, and the panel gaps are nice and even.

The hard-top is in good order with a tidy headlining, and what’s notable about the California Coupe’s roof is that it’s a bit easier to handle, as there’s no central rear pin to line up and the release handles are integrated instead of requiring a separate tool.

All of the correct exterior trim is in place, and the light lenses and window glass are in good condition. The wheels are tidy and proper with their correct centre caps, and wear a matching set of Michelin MXV tyres with 2021 date codes and plenty of tread.

The design of the Pagoda’s interior is a masterful combination of elegance and functionality, and that’s further improved by the nature of this car being a California Coupe – that means no optional dinky jump seat here, but a proper padded bench seat for your rear passengers.

All of the correct trim pieces and controls are in place, and everything appears to be working as it should. The windows raise and lower correctly, the seats tilt to allow rear access, and all of the switchgear is operational. The carpets are complete and clean, there are no cracks in the dashtop, and the wood trim is solid and well presented. It’s all dry and tidy inside the boot, with the spare wheel in its correct cover.
 

Being a 250 SL, this is one of the few Pagodas to be fitted with a 2.5-litre engine. This was a development of the outgoing 230’s 2.3-litre motor, but the evolution involved more than simply increasing the stroke; this engine has seven main bearings instead of four, a higher compression ratio and bigger valves. Peak power was the same as the 230 but torque was much improved and – crucially – it was a much freer-revving engine, imbuing the 250 with a uniquely playful character.

This SL drives beautifully; the suspension rides comfortably with no undue noises or vibrations, and the brakes feel appropriately strong. The engine starts easily and idles smoothly, pulling strongly through the revs with the auto transmission shifting cleanly – it’s all just as smooth and enjoyable as you’d hope. The substantial recent service history tells us that The SL Shop having been working their magic in recent years, and it shows in the way the SL drives. A truly delightful Mercedes.
 

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