Introduced in the latter part of 1966, the 250 SL shared the bodyshell with its predecessor, the 230 SL, which had laid the foundation for the immensely successful sports car dynasty. While minor enhancements were made to the interior, the notable changes included the adoption of the new 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine from the 250 SE and the replacement of drum brakes with disc brakes at the rear.
Although the top speed of the new model remained at approximately 120mph, the larger engine brought a significant improvement in flexibility and responsiveness. The production of the 250 SL spanned just one full year before it was succeeded by the 280 SL, making it one of the rarest members of the family. These SL models, affectionately named ‘Pagoda’ due to their distinctive cabin shape, were cherished sports-tourers of their time and continue to be highly sought after in today’s collector’s market.
Source: Bonhams Cars
