The successor to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL and 190SL roadsters, the Wll3 generation SL-Class is often referred to as the Pagoda for the distinctive shape of its removable hardtop. The 250SL version was introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show and was produced for one year only up until January of 1968, making it the rarest of the Wll3 series cars. This European-spec 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL was sold new in Italy and is 1 of 882 to have come factory equipped with a 5-speed ZF manual transmission. It underwent a complete restoration in 2016 and has been maintained on display in a private collection ever since. This classic SL is now being offered for sale by WCDM. The Wll3 platform is derived from a shortened version of the Wlll fintail sedan's chassis with technology incorporated from the Wll2 luxury car.



This 250SL was refinished in its original color of Mercedes Blue (DB-335) during its restoration and benefits from a recent application of ceramic coating. It features chrome bumpers, moldings, and door handles, a chrome single bar grille with a central Mercedes-Benz emblem, polished dual exhaust tailpipes, European-spec headlights, round Italian-spec front marker lights, a retractable dark blue soft top, and a removable body-colored hardtop. It rides on 14 slotted steel wheels with chrome body-colored hubcaps and original brand and sized Phoenix whitewall tires.



The restored interior is lined with charcoal German square weave carpeting and features a pair of reclining black leather bucket seats with matching door panels. The black leather dashboard features a body-colored fascia with wood upper trim pieces and matching veneers on the center console. Other accessories include a black two-spoke steering wheel with a chrome horn ring, heating and ventilation controls, chrome inner door handles and window rollers, a 250SL branded radio cover, analog VDO gauges, and a VDO quartz clock. All gauges and accessories are working properly.



The 250SL model debuted with a new fuel-injected 2.5-liter in line 6-cylinder engine paired with an improved cooling system which helped produce up to 148 HP and 159 lb.-ft of torque. The 250SL also featured new rear disc brakes and a larger fuel tank. This example features the highly desirable optional 5-speed manual SS-20 ZF transmission which sends power to the rear wheels.



A mechanical restoration was carried out in 2016 and a full service was recently completed after the car had been on display for over 6 years with approximately 100 miles driven during that time. This sale will include owner's manuals, a toolkit, a spare tire, and a collection of documentation.