1967 Mercedes 250SL Pagoda. Rare Manual. Matching Numbers.

This special car is a rare 250SL Mercedes, the rarest of all Mercedes Pagodas. Built in April 1967 this makes this particular car a true unicorn Pagoda, produced within a small window of time in early 67’ when Mercedes married the aesthetics and sporting dynamics of the earlier 230SL with the significant mechanical advancements of the later 280SL.

From the elegant arc of its swooping wing mirror to the single colour red tail lights, this early 250SL retains the aesthetic brilliance of Paul Bracq’s original design. Equally lost from the late 250SL and 280SL but preserved in this car are quintessential 60s design flourishes such as honeycomb seats, moulded door pockets, red and blue control levers, woven carpet and interior chrome touches. The early 250SL also retains the more dynamic suspension of the 230SL, which better embodied its Super Leicht or Super Light SL motorsport credentials.

However, being a 250SL, this car is bequeathed with the very considerable mechanical upgrades of the later 280SL. The advanced 7 main bearing engine, larger oil cooler and all round disc brakes significantly increased performance from the 230SL. A larger fuel tank also assists with touring capabilities.

This car proudly possesses an extremely rare set of Mercedes lightweight aluminium ‘steelie’ wheels. Incredibly hard to find, particularly in the dimensions used by the the 250SL and 280SL, these wheels were eventually located in a remote part of Australia. Whilst retaining the period aesthetic, in halving the unsprung weight they significantly improve the performance and handling of the Pagoda. Completed with a new set of period correct Michelin tyres.

Central to its collectibility and future value this 250SL is a rare manual, making it a true drivers car as its original designers intended. The 250SL and 280SL were overwhelmingly automatics.

This particular Pagoda is a very presentable and original example. As attested to by the data card, it retains its original matching numbers engine and the cognac interior with which it left the factory in 1967. Both the bonnet and soft top compartment lid are stamped with the number 1192, the car’s correct original body number conforming to the data card. Whilst the car boasts a new convertible top the data card confirms this rarely seen beige colour is original to the car. This car is perhaps the most sublime of colour combinations for a Pagoda, the quintessential Mercedes silver complemented to wonderful effect by the cognac interior. Completing the car, it comes with a prized and valuable original factory toolkit.

The data card records this particular Pagoda was a highly specced car in period being optioned with power steering, radio interference suppression, side mirror, safety belts and tinted glass on the windscreen top, which the car proudly wears to this very day. The power steering optioned on this particular Pagoda, combined with its advanced fuel injection system make this a singular 60’s classic that can be driven in modern traffic with infinite ease.

After a period in storage this car has just undergone a process of extensive work and received significant expenditure in the last 6 months ready for a new custodian to drive and enjoy it;

Complete rebuild upon all 4 breaks.
Repair of gear linkage.
Extensive service, recommissioning and engine tuning by Mercedes specialist (Details can be provided)
Professional valeting of interior and exterior.
New ATE front disc breaks.
New hardtop locks.
New side window guides.
New hardtop seals.
New diamond pattern firewall matt.
New power steering low pressure hoses and fuel tank outlet hose.

The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda is the embodiment of 60’s avant-garde design and engineering brilliance. Strewn from the drawing board of Mercedes and BMW design stalwart Paul Bracq, who also designed the BMW M1 supercar, and the intellectual genius of celebrated engineer Béla Barényi. The Pagoda was the first sports car in the world to to possess Barényi’s revolutionary passenger safety cell. A true automotive icon of the 20th century, the Pagoda was owned by a fascinating array of individuals from Sterling Moss to Kate Moss with Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston, John Lennon and Fangio in between. This incredibly rare 250SL from the first half of 67’ with its manual gearbox will only ever appreciate in value whilst being a true treasure to drive and behold.

The sale includes 5 aluminium wheels, steel wheel, original Pagoda toolkit, wind deflector, hardtop stand, RHD and LHD lenses and assorted parts. The asking price is £72, 000, but offers above £65, 950 will be accepted or £62, 950 without the extras.

The car can be viewed just outside Cork, Ireland. We are very happy to arrange UK or EU shipping with a trustworthy classic car transporter we have used before or the car could be easily driven home.