Lot details Registration No: XMB824E Chassis No: 1130432202441
The vendor of 250SL `XMB 824E' believes it could be the finest example of its type in the world and one can understand his thinking. For starters it is rare, for not only were there less 250SLs made than either 230s or 280s, but this one is a California Coupe and therefore of 2+2 configuration. Secondly, it has remained in the same family ownership for the last 35 years. And thirdly, it has just been treated to a major restoration of notably high quality. This included a complete repaint to what is described as `concours standard'; all the brightwork was removed and either rechromed or replaced; the interior was completely refurbished with new leather seats and carpets exactly to the original specification, while the woodwork was refurbished by Chapman & Cliff, formerly of Rolls-Royce. The Benz has also benefited from a full service that included a top end engine overhaul with all new valves and guides and engine bay refurbishment. This stunning-looking SL is finished in Tunis Beige Metallic and trimmed in Black. Its factory-fitted extras include automatic transmission, power-assisted steering, Sundym tinted glass all-round (a notably rare option) and a Motorola push-button radio. A possibly unrepeatable opportunity.
The 250SL was introduced at the 1967 Geneva Salon. Blessed with the same effortlessly elegant Paul Bracq styling as its earlier relation, it was powered by a new seven bearing crankshaft 2,496cc SOHC straight-six engine that developed some 150bhp and 159 lb ft of torque - sufficient output to endow the Mercedes with a 0-60mph time of a whisker under 11 seconds and a top speed just north of 120mph. Faster than the 230SL which preceded it yet more agile than its 280SL successor, the 250SL remained in production for just a single year, accounting for 5,196 sales worldwide, most of which went to the USA.
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