The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971. They were known as the 'pagoda roof' SL and replaced the W198 SL in 1963 which was then, in turn, replaced by the R107 SL in 1971. All models boast an inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel motors. Most of these early SL's were sold with both the removable hardtop and a soft top in the so-called 'Coupe/Roadster' configuration. By 1955, Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer, Prof. Fritz Nallinger and his team, held no illusions regarding the 190 SL's lack of performance and, in 1960, he eventually proposed to develop a completely new 220 SL design based on technology from the W112. This led to the W113 platform with an improved fuel-injected 2.3 litre M127, inline-six engine and the distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof called the 230 SL. It made a remarkable debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, where Nallinger introduced it as follows: 'It was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance, which despite its sports characteristics, provides a very high degree of travelling comfort.' The 250 SL was basically a one-year model, introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show.

This rare California model of this popular and iconic Mercedes-Benz Pagoda range is presented as an unfinished project. The engine, which we believe is actually from a 280 Mercedes-Benz (although this is not verified but the engine numbers denote this is the case according to research) had run but then the car was stripped for restoration and is now being sold 'as seen' and according to the HPI, it states that the colour is Silver but this cannot be verified and it is a manual gearbox model also. As far as we have been made aware, the following items are missing - radiator, front bumper, door pads and front windscreen but it does come with its factory hardtop. There may be some other parts missing but ostensibly we are informed that the rest is present. A great project for someone who can stamp their own identity on to it and create once again, a beautiful California Pagoda. Consigned by James Good

Lot details
Year: 1967
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 250 SL Pagoda 'California'
Registration: MKH 726E
Chassis No: 11304310002266
Odometer: tba

* Restoration project
* Californian model