The Mercedes-Benz W113, most famously known as the “Pagoda” SL, made its grand debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. This model was conceived as a sophisticated successor, ingeniously designed to bridge the gap between the high-performance 300SL and the accessible 190SL, offering a medium-priced two-seat sports car that appealed to a broader audience. The W113 SL quickly became a resounding success, selling an impressive 48,912 units over its nine-year production run. Today, it is celebrated as a true masterpiece of automotive design and engineering.
The development of the W113 was a collaborative effort of Mercedes-Benz’s top minds. Legendary Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut and Technical Director Fritz Nallinger spearheaded the chassis engineering, while the stunning bodywork was crafted by designers Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi, under the visionary direction of Friedrich Geiger. A distinctive feature of its elegant design was Berenyi’s patented concave hardtop, which immediately earned the car its endearing “Pagoda” nickname. The W113’s design has proven to be enduringly stylish, maintaining its appeal across generations.
Beneath its stylish exterior, the Pagoda SL was built upon a robust chassis derived from the W111 sedan. It featured an advanced independent front suspension, a patented low-pivot swing-axle rear suspension, and effective disc brakes, providing the SL with remarkably confident and effortless handling. The use of aluminum for the hood, trunk lid, doors, and tonneau cover helped to minimize weight to approximately 2900 lbs., contributing to the W113’s agile feel for a luxury Grand Tourer. The heart of the car was its virtually indestructible fuel-injected SOHC Inline-6 engine, an engineering marvel that was significantly ahead of its time.
The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL, produced between December 1966 and January 1968, represents a sweet spot in the W113 series. Its 2496cc engine delivers 150bhp, offering enhanced performance characterized by increased torque and a broader powerband. This improvement made the 250SL particularly desirable for drivers seeking a balance of style and performance.
This particular 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL example stands out with its attractive light metallic green finish complemented by a tan interior. It has undergone a meticulous, photo-documented restoration, ensuring high quality and attention to detail. Equipped with a desirable 4-speed manual gearbox, it provides a more engaging driving experience. A notable upgrade is the inclusion of a rare, period-correct Webasto sliding sunroof integrated into the hardtop, adding to its exclusivity and open-air enjoyment. For those considering grand touring, it also features a Becker Grand Prix ‘LMKU’ radio and a custom-made three-piece fitted luggage set.
Fresh from its comprehensive restoration, this 250SL exhibits exceptional crispness and detail, with authentic decals, finishes, and fittings both inside and out. The accompanying Mercedes-Benz data card verifies its originality as a manual-transmission model and confirms that it retains its numbers-matching M129 inline six-cylinder engine. This gorgeous 1967 Pagoda SL, with its rare manual configuration, is equally suited for participation in prestigious events like the Copperstate 1000, enjoyable weekend drives, or display on a concours show field. It represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, combining timeless design with engaging performance and meticulous restoration.
