Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Mercedes Benz 250 SL

VIN – 11304310004301
Engine No. 129.982-10-002159
Exterior Color – Gray
Interior Color – Cognac
Engine – 2.5 liter in-line 6-cylinder
Transmission – 4-speed manual
Current Miles –48,769 miles (TMU)

General Overview

After more than a century of superb automotive craftsmanship, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry as one of the premier automobile innovators, delivering vehicles of superior performance and optimal luxury. During the 1950s, decades of racing achievement and luxury refinements evolved as US market growth encouraged new models with technical advancements and safety features. North American sales grew to become one the largest markets for Mercedes-Benz with the SL model featuring prominently in market expansion.

The mid 60s proved to be a rapidly changing time for sports cars. The budding 230SL was slated to replace both the 190SL and the iconic 300SL – an ominous task as the 300SL was a performance brute, but the 190, was nearly the opposite. The 230SL delivered a car that hit the “sweet spot”, becoming immediately appealing to customers seeking a charming and sporty car with clean styling, captivating details, and spirited performance. Excellence continued under the hood with Bosch fuel-injection, overhead-cam six-cylinder engines, and an all-synchromesh 4-speed transmission. The 230 SL delivered reliable performance, convertible configuration, and substantial trunk space allowing for elegant and practical traveling, even over long distances. Among the many features, several innovative safety aspects were incorporated into the unique body design including being the first two-passenger car with a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones, industry standards that are common today, but thoroughly new for a sports car in 1963.

In late 1966, the 250SL was offered for the 1967 model year. Spanning just one year, the 250 SL would become the rarest of the W113 series cars. The 250 SL was updated with rear disc brakes, a larger engine (2.5 liter), increased fuel capacity, and better cooling capacity. Most notably, the bottom end of the larger displacement engine was fortified with seven main bearings over the prior four, making improved torque and a notably wider power band. For the interior the most notable visual improvement was the collapsable steering wheel and padded center hub, installed to meet advancing US safety regulations.

History and Build Details of This Car

This beautifully finished 250SL represents the later series 250 SL which included the safety improvements, increased engine displacement, and improved cooling system. Light, sporty and outfitted with a 4-speed manual transmission, this 250SL was delivered to North America with an MPH speedometer. The car was very likely delivered to the first owner in California as the accompanying service booklet is stamped from Import Motors Mercedes-Benz Service, Oakland, CA March 20, 1974, with 76,398 miles. A second service stamp, also from Import Motors, is noted on February 7, 1975, with 90,502 miles.

The current owner purchased this car in April 2017 with 47,687 miles. Restored to a high level under prior ownership, the car has remained with the current owners as part of a small collection of classic cars with just over 1,000 miles accrued during their eight years of ownership. Though the owner has not retained service invoices for the car, it was annually serviced including oil and filter changes and other services as needed. In preparation for consignment, a compression test was performed returning the following numbers listing cylinder 1 at the radiator to cylinder 6 at the cowl of the car.

Cylinder 1 - 171
Cylinder 2 - 171
Cylinder 3 - 174
Cylinder 4 - 170
Cylinder 5 - 175
Cylinder 6 - 175

Condition Overview

Today this 250 SL presents as a very nice example of a restored 250 SL. The elegant gray paint is smooth and glossy with excellent coverage. As the dashboard is painted silver, the car is believed to have been delivered from the factory originally finished in silver metallic. The front fender factory spot welds are evident on both sides of the flanged inner fender metal when viewed under the hood, however the grille surround and headlight section show evidence of body repairs and the inner fender “nicks” have been smoothed off, which is generally indicative of post-factory bodywork. The doors shut very well and retain good panel gaps to the front and rear fenders, while the side glass and hardtop fixed quarter and rear glass retain the factory Sekurit branding indicative of factory glass. The hood and trunk also exhibit proper fit and closure. The chrome throughout is in very good condition, with nice luster and clean, bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in excellent condition with no significant chips or marks on the windshield. The black canvas convertible top is nicely tailored with a clear and taut plastic rear window with excellent top bow tailoring and fabric welting on the underside of the top. The convertible top moves up and down smoothly and latches easily to the windshield header. The hardtop is in excellent condition finished in contrasting black with white headliner and very good glass. A nicely finished set of matching steel wheels are trimmed with correct hubcaps, wheel rings, and a set of contemporary Yokohama Avid Touring S 195/70R14 radial tires.

The interior has been correctly restored in attractive cognac vinyl. The seats, door panels, and dashboard are in excellent condition. The seats feature excellent foam padding, correct pleating, and show little to no wear. The oatmeal-colored square weave carpeting is trimmed with matching cognac colored perimeter beading which covers the front footwells and rear storage area. The instruments are in excellent condition, fronted by a correct steering wheel with a matching gray padded horn button. The dashboard is finished in silver likely indicative of the original exterior color. The surrounding dash pad is in excellent condition as are the refinished wood trim and white sun visors. Adesirable Becker Europa II AM/FM radio is installed. The trunk is clean and nicely finished with the correct satin black inner finish, a full-size spare tire and vinyl cover and a correct fluted gray rubber mat.

The engine compartment features a nicely restored and correct 2.5-liter engine, cast alloy cam cover, fuel-injection, and excellent detailing. Both the engine and engine compartment are beautifully finished and properly presented with correct parts, factory components, and updated lines and hoses. Underneath the car, the finishes are very nice overall indicating the restoration was performed to a high standard though some surfaces have mellowed over time. A solid floor, excellent suspension components, proper exhaust, and nicely detailed engine components further support the restoration work performed some years ago. There is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis floor or major suspension mounting points.

The car starts easily and idles smoothly. Driving manners are quite nice particularly for this example which offers a smooth gearbox, comfortable uptake on the clutch, helpful power steering, and excellent acceleration through all gears. The added power and torque are noticeable in this 250 SL particularly when compared to the earlier 230 series. The ride engineering, responsive suspension, and ample seating room create a wonderfully open-air experience with composed power delivery for two occupants with plenty of luggage space and legroom suitable for tall occupants.

This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a very nicely prepared 250 SL finished in great colors. Rare in number and ready for enjoyable driving or club shows, this handsome and iconic Mercedes-Benz 250 SL is sure to entice the next enthusiast with invitations to enjoyable casual outings, hours of touring delight, and extended weekend adventures with a fortunate companion.

Included with this 250SL

This car is offered with a factory removable hardtop, a hardtop stand, a car cover, an owner’s manual and service manual, a first aid kit, and metal tire stop.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608