Besides the original 300SL gullwing and roadster, the Pagoda SLs that succeeded them have always commanded top dollar. The 250SL represents the mid point in the evolution of the W113, which ran from 1963 through 1971. While this generation represented a shift towards more of a boulevard cruiser, you could still order your SL with a manual transmission. This particular example has the rare ZF 5-speed. Given that only 1,791 examples of the 250SL made it to the US, this is a rare piece indeed.
Yes it is a factory 5 speed ZF manual transmission, one of only 882 Pagodas with the special Mercedes ZF 5 spd built only for the SL models. And it is pristine! It is stunning and beautiful and runs like a Swiss clock. I can go into any detail you like as far as the condition but it is easier to assume it is exactly how the pictures depict it to be without any rust at all.
Chrome, paint, wood, interior, original hubcaps and beauty rims, mechanical condition all is in excellent condition. It is restored where it needed to be and has original carpet and seats and dash (still in excellent condition). It is a low mileage car with a clear CA title. The dash was never taken apart or repainted. New tires. Soft top is brand new too (didn’t have help removing hard top but all is perfect and of the highest quality correct German top).
By the way all the chrome is original except the back bumpers have been rechromed. The tail lights, grill, door trim and interior chrome trim is all original excellent condition, as new. It has been unbelievably well taken care of. I have a new trunk mat but wanted to show original mat. Underneath is perfect, no surface rust either. Well detailed car throughout. No excuses and show worthy. I am the third owner and don’t know the first but the second owner had it since the seventies.
While $55,000 seems steep for a 43 year old machine, it’s right in line with current W113 pricing. This is perhaps one of the most sought after generations of SL, especially with the 5-speed gearbox. I have to say, this is one of those cars I would pick if someone told me “you can drive one car for the rest of your life.” These roadsters are completely usable as everyday classics and the extra gear makes this a tasty proposition for highway cruising.
-Paul