Matching Hardtop
Beautifully restored in The Netherlands
Most exclusive of the three Pagode models
Owned by Poet and singer song writer Rod McKuen

When a new model, designated W113, appeared as the 230 SL in 1964, evolving into the larger-engined 250 SL and 280 SL Mercedes created a timeless beauty. This classic Paul Bracq-penned two-seat luxury touring convertible offered a more modern and angular look, often accentuated with a tall, airy ‘Pagoda’ hardtop. The 250 SL was both expensive and rare, with only 5,196 sold between 1966 and 1968, making it the rarest of the ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz was justifiably proud of this modern new car, declaring in period advertising that its road manners were superior to that of the 300 SL. ‘The 250 SL stands a mere 4 ft., 4 in. high, yet overall width is almost six feet. Its track is so wide-stanced that those chubby 14-in. radial-ply tires seem to bulge out from the body sides to straddle the pavement.’ The ad went on to declare that ‘the 250 SL is only stretched to its peak when its speedometer needle nudged 124 mph.’ The new 2.5-litre engine for the 250 SL featured seven main bearings, which while having no real impact upon overall horsepower, led to an extra 15 foot-pounds of torque, making the engine more flexible. The improvement in performance was aided further by the addition of rear disc brakes. To maintain Mercedes-Benz’s bulletproof build quality, a larger capacity cooling system and an as-standard oil-water heat exchanger featured.

All of the above make an 250SL a great useable classic car from when Mercedes-Benz credo was very true” Das beste oder nichts” especially this particular model.
Ordered in the US, by the famous singer song writer and best-selling poet, Rod McKuen who was an avid Mercedes Benz fanatic. He ordered the car with the automatic transmission in a beautiful shade of blue. Since its arrival in Europe the car was extensively restored by its then owner who must have been an admirer of the work of mr. McKuen because he also purchased his burgundy 280SE Cabriolet.

After the full restoration was carried out the car remained in Belgium at a Mercedes Benz collector who enjoyed the car but now it’s time for the next generation to enjoy this beautiful piece of German engineering. The 250SL is lovely to drive the suspension and steering gave a nice feedback and the engine and gearbox are remarkably responsive.

Please feel free to inquire further information because we would love to convey our passion for this car to you.

At The Automobile Store we want to curate our generations garage and believe that this 250SL is part of automotive design history that makes it a truly timeless classic.