1967 | Mercedes-Benz 250 SL

The W 113 was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 as a two-seater folding roof cabriolet.

The additionally available hardtop, with an inward curvature, was reminiscent of a Pagoda.

The affectionate nickname was born.

Over the production period from 1963 to 1971, the Pagoda has been inspiring young and old alike for two generations.

The history

The owner, 75 years old and a Mercedes fan since childhood, enthuses very movingly during our conversation and inspection about how he managed to buy this dream car as an ordinary worker.

In the mid-1990s, he bought this '67 Pagoda because it was a restoration in progress and his savings were finally enough for it.

He took great pleasure in reassembling the Pagoda over 3 years, had the rust spots welded and the car painted. The original 250 engine had been dismantled and was too rusty to save. The engine workshop offered him a 280 engine, which is still installed today. This was overhauled again in the winter of 2024 to 2025 by Mercedes Dressel Berlin and purrs like a kitten. According to the TÜV, the engine is slightly damp.

During our inspection, we found that the engine runs silky smooth and is powerful, and the clutch, brakes and steering work perfectly.

You can see that it is a typical restoration from the 90s in terms of the welding work, paintwork, gaps, etc., not up to today's standards, but technically ok. According to the owner, he could not afford a museum car. The seats have been reupholstered with proper leather, the carpet is clean, the soft top works well and the fabric is not porous.

The paint thickness measurements showed values between 280 and 1400.

We note that the rear suspension arm bushings need to be replaced for a new MOT, but the owner is willing to agree with the buyer on the price of the repair and the new MOT. The Tüv is currently valid until July 2025.

The hardtop works perfectly. We have not done a rain test.

Conclusion

This Pagoda is a lot of fun to drive and is basically a solid car that still needs a few minor repairs here and there. If you're looking for matching numbers and originality, excuse the expression, you're in the wrong place.

But if you're looking for a classic sports car and don't want to turn it into a “stationary vehicle”, but also want to drive it in the right way, then this is the car for you.

If you want a Pagoda to drive, this is the car for you.

The owner would like someone to continue driving his dream car and is offering it at a sensational reserve price.

The estimated value is well above the reserve price.

So go ahead, place your bid and we'll keep our fingers crossed for a great summer in a great sports car from the 60s.