The SL has been a Mercedes-Benz icon since the 300 SL “Gullwing” came out in 1954. Over the past 71 years, there have been seven generations of the signature model. Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight car, 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL, comes from a short chapter in that long, illustrious history.
In the early 1960s, Mercedes needed a follow-up to the 300 SL coupe and roadster as well as the four-cylinder 190 SL. Adapting parts from the 220 SE, the automaker created the 230 SL and presented it to the world at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. According to the automaker, the W113 generation “took its curtailed and reinforced framework from the tailfin sedan including the front and rear axle suspension.” As its name implies, the 230 SL had a 2.3-liter engine that was essentially a bored version of the 220 SE’s straight-six.
Although the second-generation SL borrowed some hardware from one of its corporate siblings, it made a name for itself—literally. The concave shape to its removable hardtop spawned the nickname “Pagoda,” a term still used in reference to this version of the SL. Additional characteristics that distinguished the W113 from its predecessor were its front and rear crumple zones.
Although Mercedes started producing the 250 SL, the replacement for the 230, in 1966, it officially introduced the upgraded model in February 1967. Major updates included a larger 2.5-liter I6 and a reworked braking system with front and rear discs. However, the 250 SL’s newness soon faded as Mercedes rolled out the even more powerful 280 SL as its successor less than a year later, though the 250 continued to be built until 1968.
The 1967 250 SL you see here was put through a restoration that was completed in 2010. It comes finished in the attractive combination of Ivory over a red MB-Tex interior. When the weather gets bad, there are two options for staying dry: a black soft top with a plastic rear window or a body-color hardtop, which comes with its own stand.
Inside the brightly colored interior is an interesting surprise. As expected, there are conveniences such as power steering and brakes, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio, but look behind the low-back buckets—yes, that’s a third seat.
The VDO instrumentation includes a 7,000-rpm tachometer, 140-mph speedometer, and gauges for the fuel level, oil pressure, and temperature. The odometer has rolled over, so the 46,762 miles shown are actually 146,762 miles.
The selling dealer reports the fuel-injected 2.5-liter I6 under the hood is original to the car. Updates include the replacement of the fuel injection pump and injectors less than 100 miles ago. Although the W113 was available with a four-speed automatic, this one sends its power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox.
If you place the winning bid for this 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250 SL, you’ll not only get a handsome and tasteful piece of the company’s history, but you’ll also receive plenty of documentation. The selling dealer will send it your way with the original owner’s manuals, data plate, original purchase agreement, original window sticker, and service records. Bid now because the auction ends Tuesday, March 25 at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
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