As noted on a copy of its original Data Card, this sporting 250 SL
was delivered new in Italy on 15 February 1967. Finished in elegant
and seldom selected Arabian Grey (124) over a Cognac MB-Tex (120)
interior with the choice of a Black fabric folding soft top or a
color-matched hard top. The car was simply specified, with clear
sporting intentions in mind, featuring a 4.08:1 rear axle ratio
(232) and the extremely rare and highly sought-after ZF five-speed
manual transmission (230). This 250 SL is believed to be one of
fewer than 112 ordered new with the ZF five-speed transmission,
making this rarely seen option one of the most potent
performance-oriented combinations available on any Pagoda. It
blends blistering acceleration from the short rear axle ratio with
comfortable highway driving characteristics from its overdrive
fifth gear.
The car is reported to have been retained by its original owner
until 1982, when its second owner brought his prized Pagoda across
the Atlantic to the United States. Under their long-term ownership,
it was refinished in Black in 1984, as currently presented.
Following this, a new Cognac soft top was installed in 2015. It
remained under their care for a total of 41 years, until 2023, when
it was acquired by the current owner. In May 2024, the SL was
brought to the experts at Wolfgang's INC of Tenafly, New Jersey,
for a major service that included replacing the brake booster,
brake master cylinder, shifter bushings, exhaust hangers, and turn
signal/wiper stalk, totaling just over $4,000. Additional recent
service work includes restoring the wood trim, having Lee's Auto
Body Inc of Woodbridge, New Jersey repaint the dashboard, upgrading
the Becker Europa radio with Bluetooth connectivity, installing
original style rubber floor coverings, CocoMats, and Coker Classic
White Wall tires.
Today, the Pagoda's charming styling and driving characteristics
have cemented its status as a highly sought-after collector's car,
with few examples offering the appeal of being equipped with the
highly sought-after and sporting ZF five-speed manual transmission
from new. This particular model, finished in an exceptionally
attractive color scheme, exemplifies the timeless elegance of
mid-century design with its sleek European-market lighting. It
offers a rare opportunity to experience the beloved "W113" in this
exceptionally rare configuration with the sporting five-speed
manual transmission. In both coupe and roadster configurations this
rare SL encapsulates the elegant design of Bela Barenyi and Paul
Bracq.
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