The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL W113 is one of the most desirable versions of the classic Pagoda roadster, combining elegant Paul Bracq styling, fuel-injected six-cylinder power and one of the shortest production runs in the entire W113 family.
This specific car was produced on 23 November 1967 for the European market and was originally finished in DB050 white with DB2310 medium blue interior and DB6314 blue bouclé carpet. It underwent a comprehensive restoration completed in 2019 and has since been sold by Giro Classico.
1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Pagoda
The W113 SL was introduced in 1963 as the successor to the 190 SL and 300 SL Roadster, with the aim of combining performance, safety and long-distance comfort in a single open sports car.
Its defining features include:
- fuel-injected inline-six engine
- rear-wheel drive
- independent suspension
- disc braking
- removable hardtop
- elegant two-seat roadster body
- strong touring ability
The concave hardtop designed by Paul Bracq gave the W113 its famous “Pagoda” nickname and became one of the most recognisable Mercedes-Benz design signatures of the 1960s.
Why the 250 SL is special
The 250 SL was introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show.
Production had already begun in December 1966 and ended in January 1968, making it the shortest-lived and rarest production version of the W113 range. Giro Classico records approximately 5,196 examples produced.
The model occupies an interesting position between the earlier 230 SL and later 280 SL.
It retained much of the responsive character of the early Pagoda while introducing:
- a larger 2.5-litre engine
- improved torque
- rear disc brakes
- greater touring flexibility
For collectors, this combination of low production and transitional engineering makes the 250 SL particularly attractive.
The 2.5-litre fuel-injected six-cylinder engine
The 250 SL uses Mercedes-Benz’s 2.5-litre inline-six with mechanical fuel injection.
Rather than focusing purely on peak power, the larger engine was designed to provide more usable torque and flexibility.
The W113 philosophy was always broader than outright performance. It aimed to combine:
- refined power delivery
- excellent road manners
- mechanical durability
- high-speed stability
- touring comfort
That balance remains one of the main reasons the Pagoda is so usable today.
230 SL, 250 SL or 280 SL?
Each W113 version has a distinct character.
The 230 SL represents the original Pagoda concept.
The 250 SL offers:
- the rarest production run
- increased displacement
- rear disc brakes
- a useful balance between early-car character and later refinement
The 280 SL became the most developed and most widely produced version, with greater torque and broader market recognition.
For collectors who value rarity without sacrificing usability, the 250 SL occupies a particularly strong position.
This specific 1967 Mercedes 250 SL
According to the original Giro Classico documentation, this car was produced on 23 November 1967 for the European market.
Its factory colour combination was:
- DB050 white exterior
- DB2310 medium blue interior
- DB6314 blue bouclé carpet
The car was acquired by its previous owner around 2015 as a complete restoration project showing just over 95,000 km.
Comprehensive restoration completed in 2019
Over approximately four years, the 250 SL underwent a full restoration.
Structural work included replacement of corroded sheet metal and side members, followed by body alignment on a jig before repainting in the original DB050 white.
The mechanical restoration included:
- front axle overhaul
- rear axle overhaul
- complete brake system
- fuel lines
- electric fuel pump
- new fuel tank
- mechanical fuel pump
- engine inspection and overhaul
- gearbox attention
The original factory-installed engine was retained, while the gearbox required only seals and bearings according to the Giro Classico description.
Restored to matching original colours
The interior was completely renewed in the factory-correct combination of:
- medium blue leather DB2310
- blue DB6314 bouclé carpet
Chrome components were restored where possible, while stainless-steel replacements were used for selected items such as bumpers and grille.
The car was also fitted with alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz Data Card documentation
One of the strongest aspects of this 250 SL is its documentation.
The restoration is supported by a photographic record, and the original specification is confirmed by a Mercedes-Benz Datenkarte supplied from Stuttgart.
For a collector-grade Pagoda, this kind of documentation is particularly valuable because it helps verify:
- build date
- market specification
- factory colours
- original equipment
- engine identity
Why the W113 Pagoda remains collectible
The W113 combines several qualities that have made it one of the most internationally recognised Mercedes classics:
- timeless Paul Bracq design
- fuel-injected six-cylinder engine
- removable Pagoda hardtop
- excellent build quality
- strong parts support
- genuine touring usability
- increasing collector demand
The 250 SL adds an additional layer of rarity because of its very short production period.
What to inspect before buying a Mercedes 250 SL
A proper pre-purchase inspection should cover:
- chassis and body corrosion
- floors and sills
- front inner wings
- suspension mounting points
- previous structural repairs
- engine condition
- mechanical fuel injection
- cooling system
- gearbox
- differential
- brakes
- suspension
- steering
- hardtop fit
- soft top
- chrome
- interior
- Mercedes Data Card
- restoration documentation
Structural integrity is especially important on restored Pagodas because poor body repairs can be expensive to correct.
Originality and documentation
On a W113, collector value is strongly influenced by the relationship between:
- chassis
- engine
- factory colour
- interior specification
- body condition
- restoration quality
- documentation
A restored car can be highly desirable when the work is well documented and respects the original specification.
This 1967 Mercedes 250 SL has been sold
This specific 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL W113 is no longer available and remains online as part of the Giro Classico archive. The current vehicle page clearly confirms its SOLD status.
The page remains useful for collectors researching the 250 SL and for buyers looking for another W113 Pagoda.
Looking for a Mercedes SL currently available?
Giro Classico currently offers a 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R230, creating a strong internal link within the history of the Mercedes SL.
It is not a direct substitute for a W113 Pagoda, but it represents a later chapter of the same grand-touring roadster philosophy:
- two-seat Mercedes SL
- open-top touring
- rear-wheel drive
- luxury specification
- high-speed comfort
- strong collector potential
Discover the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R230 currently available at Giro Classico
The available R230 is an early 2002 SL 500 with approximately 90,000 km, a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, rare Topaz Blue 946, Exclusive Nappa leather and an original period AMG body kit. The Italian listing currently prices the car at €45,000.
W113 Pagoda or R230 SL 500?
The 250 SL W113 offers:
- classic 1960s styling
- mechanical fuel injection
- inline-six character
- removable Pagoda hardtop
- rarity and established collector status
The SL 500 R230 offers:
- naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8
- retractable metal roof
- substantially greater comfort
- early-2000s technology
- documented low mileage
- emerging youngtimer appeal
They belong to very different eras, but both express the Mercedes SL philosophy of combining open-air driving with long-distance refinement.
Looking specifically for another W113 Pagoda?
Giro Classico can assist with the search for:
- Mercedes-Benz 230 SL W113
- Mercedes-Benz 250 SL W113
- Mercedes-Benz 280 SL W113
- European-spec Pagodas
- matching-colour examples
- restored or highly original cars
The service can include:
- private sourcing
- Mercedes-Benz Data Card verification
- provenance research
- pre-purchase inspection
- restoration assessment
- valuation
- negotiation
- international logistics
Discover Giro Classico’s Collector Car Advisory service
For further information regarding sourcing a Mercedes-Benz 250 SL W113, verifying factory specifications or restoration quality, or regarding the Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R230 currently available, please contact us directly.
Because in the end, we never truly own these cars, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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