1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL 5-speed

It’s been a little while since we looked at a W113, and they’re continuing their ascension out of affordability for most enthusiasts. Especially rare are the manual cars; add in the rumble seat and the 5th gear that was a seldom-selected and expensive option and you’ve got the rarest of the W113s outside of the Pininfarina coupes. This particular example is stunning in dark blue with red leather, and while the asking price is quite high it’s still relatively low for rare, classic Mercedes-Benz convertibles:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL 5-speed on eBay

Year: 1967
Model: 250SL
Engine: 2.5 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 67,000 mi
Price: $145,000 Buy It Now

1967 Mercedes-Benz 250SL

5-SpeedVery Rare Factory ZF 5-Speed Transmission, Completely Restored, Original Engine

The short one-year production on the 250SL makes this car the rarest of the “Pagoda” series W113, especially in the U.S. market. The 250SL offered the early styling of the 230SL, but with the noticeably increased performance of the 2.5 L engine. Other improvements on the 250SL included four wheel disc brakes, improved engine cooling, and an extra 17 liters of fuel capacity. Making this particular 250SL extremely special is the factory equipped ZF 5-Speed Transmission—of the 5,196 250SLs produced; only a handful received this upgraded option. The race bred and time-tested ZF transmission totally transforms the character of the car, giving the driver the feel of real European sports car, but still with the option to cruise in the relaxed 5th gear. The car cames with two tops, and a factory third seat in matching red leather. This 250SL has been owned by multiple discerning Mercedes aficionados over the years, all of whom took excellent care of the vehicle during their tenure. The car was originally delivered to Italy, which is where it remained until the late seventies when it was purchased by a U.S. based Mercedes collector. This gentleman had the car extensively restored in the eighties and drove it only sparingly–the car had gone only 9,660 miles from 1978 to 2000. As can be expected with such stalwart owners, this car has been entrusted only to the country’s most highly regarded Mercedes-Benz experts, including 300SL specialist Alex Dearborn, who—after performing a thorough checkup and engine tune—said it to be “one of the finest driving SLs” he had ever seen. The most recent owner of this car had it in his collection for ten years, during which time he spent close to $70,000 updating and maintaining the restoration. The paint and bright work are both excellent, and every last detail of the interior is superb. The engine was recently resealed and also received an electronic Pertronix ignition. The engine appears excellent today, with oil pressure and compression at factory spec. With such a well-sorted and well-maintained example such as this, all the car needs now is a driver. The car is being sold with original owner’s manual, hard-top, original tool-roll, and all records on the car going back to 1978

That asking price – $145,000 – seems pretty shocking for a W113; but truth be told, these have been consistently increasing in value over the past few years. Now, a condition one 250SL is valued right around 100,000 – add the rarity of the 5-speed, and in the condition this car is offered, and it’s easy to see why you wouldn’t necessarily haggle over the additional money. I’d rather own this SL than just about any other Mercedes aside from a 300SL or pre-War car; it’s stunning in the combination of blue with red and white accents. I like the early 230/250 wheels more than the later 280 wheels, and the added rumble seat is just enough to fit a young one on a short family cruise; I can imagine no better cabriolet to cruise along Maine’s coast in than this lovely example. It may be out of my price range, but it’s not out of my dreams.

-Carter