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 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL, previously sold by Giro Classico, is now available again. See the updated page: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Pagoda for sale.
This Mercedes 250 SL W113 sold in 1967 trim belongs to the famous Pagoda family, one of the most elegant and desirable German roadsters of the 1960s. Its page stays in our archive as a technical and historical reference for anyone considering a W113.
Mercedes 250 SL W113 Sold by Giro Classico
Giro Classico handled and sold this example, and it is now available again. Anyone looking for the current car can see the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Pagoda for sale, with its documented total restoration. This page stays online because it shares our experience with the Pagoda and helps buyers choose between the 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL.
The Mercedes-Benz 250 SL W113: the Transitional Pagoda
The W113 arrived in 1963 to replace the 190 SL and 300 SL Roadster. The nickname Pagoda comes from the concave shape of the hardtop, drawn by Paul Bracq. That line was not only decorative: it improved rigidity and side visibility and made the silhouette instantly recognisable. More than sixty years later, it remains one of the most iconic classic Mercedes-Benz cars.
The 250 SL appeared in 1967 and stayed in production for a short time. It uses a fuel-injected inline-six of about 2.5 litres, an evolution of the 230 SL engine, with more displacement, more torque and more flexibility at medium revs. In addition, it has four-wheel disc brakes and, depending on configuration, a manual or automatic gearbox. The 230 SL keeps the lightest and most original character, while the 280 SL is the most evolved. The 250 SL sits in between, with a more mature character that stays close to the philosophy of the project.
Why the Mercedes 250 SL W113 Is Collectable
The 250 SL was never an extreme sports car, but a true open grand tourer. It offers a relaxed driving position, good visibility, a smooth engine, comfortable suspension and a usable boot. With the hardtop fitted, protection is good, which is why the W113 remains suited to long journeys. The short production run, the Pagoda design, the build quality and the strong international recognition add to its appeal. As a result, demand keeps growing for correct, well-documented cars with original colours and quality restorations.
What to Check Before Buying a Pagoda
Before buying a W113, check with care for structural corrosion, floors, sills, wheel arches and suspension mounting points. Then review the quality of previous restorations, the engine, the injection system, the gearbox and the braking system. Finally, assess the hardtop, soft top, interior, chrome, documentation, provenance and the match of original colours. A specialist inspection is essential, because a cosmetic restoration can hide incorrect structural work.
Looking for a Mercedes-Benz SL Available Now?
Giro Classico currently offers the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL Pagoda for sale, fully restored in the correct Bianco 050 with Medium Blue leather interior and ASI certified with the Gold Plate. For those who prefer a more recent SL, the 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R230 is also available, with a naturally aspirated V8, folding hardtop and true grand touring comfort.
The best W113 cars often change hands privately before they reach the open market. For this reason, Giro Classico can lead your search for a 230 SL, 250 SL or 280 SL, including rare configurations and cars not publicly offered. The service includes:
- search and sourcing of 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL Pagodas;
- private brokerage and valuation;
- provenance checks and document analysis;
- pre-purchase advice and coordination of specialist inspections;
- restoration advice;
- help with international transactions, transport and logistics.
Please contact us directly to discuss your search. Because in the end, these cars never truly belong to us, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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