This sensational time-capsule W113 Pagoda is in exceptional original condition throughout, presenting today as one of the most untouched, best kept and original classic Mercedes-Benz cars in existence. With only 16,188 documented miles and a legacy of unrelenting care from new, this 250SL Coupe/Roadster is primed for concours showing, capable of competing against the very best freshly restored cars as an exceptional factory original preservation example.
Highlights
- Perhaps the finest preserved Pagoda extant
- 16,188 documented original miles
- Chassis no. 113.043-12-001628
- Engine no. 129.982-12-000723
- Matching numbers
- Original DB 50 white paint
- Original 203 red leather
- Factory hard top
- Original black canvas soft top
- Becker Grand Prix radio
- Original Firestone tires
- Extra wheels and tires
- Automatic transmission with floor shift
- Books and tools
- Jack and spare tire
Factory Original, Yet Like New
The 250SL was introduced at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show with production from December of 1966 until January 1968. This abbreviated one-year production run of the 250SL makes it by far the rarest of Mercedes’ W113 series cars. The 250SL retained the stiffer suspension and sportier feel of the early SL’s while providing improved power and agility over the 230SL via a new engine and rear disc brakes. The main mechanical change was the use of the 2,496 cc (2.5 L) M129.II engine. Additionally, the resiliency and range of the 250SL was significantly improved over the 230SL while the wider power band of the 250 SL resulted in noticeably improved performance.
George and Helen Mitros (Original Owner 1966-1991)
“When George had open heart surgery in 1966 he said to me ‘If God wants me to live I will buy myself a Mercedes Benz’. He lived and he did” – Helen Mitros, Wife of George Mitros. George enjoyed his car and cared for it greatly, as testified to by the condition of this immaculate original 250SL today. He drove the car on sunny days to the North Hills Country Club near his home in Bayside New York and always stored it in the garage. George made it a point to never drive the car in the rain and, notably, no repairs were ever necessary or made on the car during his tenure of ownership. According to his wife Helen, “George treated his Mercedes very special. His Mercedes was his joy”. On May 29th, 1983, George Mitros passed away, with his wife Helen becoming the legal owner of the car. She stored and cared for the car as George had during his time with the Mercedes and Helen would end up owning the Pagoda until 1991. At the end of the Mitros ownership tenure, the odometer reading was documented as 14,230 miles.
Brown Maloney (1992-2018)
Subsequent the Mitros family ownership, this most special 250SL found a new home in beautiful Sequim, Washington, where it entered a second chapter of unwavering, over the top care; one punctuated by what can only be described as exemplary automotive stewardship. During this ownership period, this ‘Pagoda’ Mercedes was kept among dozens of other superb European and American classics in a continuous 70 degree environment on low profile, carpeted, heated floors. From the time of purchase by Mr. Maloney in 1992, the car was driven roughly 1000 miles and underwent well documented, regular maintenance as well as proper servicing during periods when the car was unused on the road. In 1998, the Mr. Maloney made the decision to remove the original wheels and tires from the car to prevent degradation and to preserve them, adding a new set of stock wheels and period correct tires to the car for regular use without compromise. As expected, the original tires and wheels remain with this car today as a secondary set for show purposes and accompany this offering of the car.
In a world of hyperbole and other oft exaggerated commentaries, you may find this Mercedes’ equal, but you will almost certainly not find its superior for original state and condition. This fine Mercedes 250SL example comes with a complete history file, with superb and exhaustive documentation. The car comes with digital file containing history and service records, books, tools, original wheels/tires, factory hard top and factory spare. Ready for concours showing, use and museum inclusion as one of the finest 1960’s collector car preservation classics extant.
