I hope everyone enjoys this interesting story as told by the late John Mallory to John Green of M.B. Spares of Australia about his unique 250SL. Originally posted in newsletter #032 at the M.B. Spares and Service website and reposted here with permission.
"I got a job assignment working in Holland starting in Jan., 1967; so I sold the Gullwing, 220S Coupe, 190SL, and Volvo P1800 I had at the time and figured I would buy a new 250SL configured the way I wanted it (5-speed, limited slip, etc); delivery to coincide with the MBCA Stuttgart Saffari so I could take advantage of the VIP treatment that Club members got at that time.
The 250SL was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March '67. So I went to the show and when looking over the 250SL show car, noticed that the engine was finished very specially: Valve cover painted black, aluminum parts polished, injection lines and other pipes chrome plated. So I asked the Factory rep if I could buy a car with the engine finished like that, and he said "Sure!" Fortunately, I GOT HIS BUSINESS CARD.
There was a side door next to the MB stand, and he said I should go out there and get a test drive. Went out with a Factory driver, and he let me drive the car after showing me how everything worked; got it up to 200 kph on a road leading from Geneva; very impressive!
So when I got back to Holland, I ordered a car with my desired SA codes through the Dutch importer; also told them that I wanted a "factory polished show car engine". They didn't know what I was talking about, so I got in touch with the MB rep from Geneva and asked for his assistance. Well, that's the way I got it. Found out later that the sale of such a car to me had to be approved by the DBAG directors, and I have a data card that shows that.
Other "sticky" items were omission of outside mirror (I preferred a pair of Talbots) and the 5-speed trans on a USA car. Both of these were violation of laws (German law required cars to have a side view mirror, and American laws required smog controls that were not available with the 5-speed). When I picked up the car at the Factory, they told me that they washed their hands of it and couldn't guarantee that I would be able to get it into the States; if I succeeded, it would be the only 5-speed 250SL going to the U.S. I had no trouble at all getting the car through customs when I returned to the U.S.
The MB rep told me that next time I wanted a car,I should order it directly through him; but I still have the 250SL and have never taken advantage of his offer; I am sure he is gone by now.
So that's the story of 250SL #3757; and tho it is not one of the last two cars produced, I am sure that everyone will agree it is as I said, "rare and unique"."
Tom
