1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL (W113)

Highlights

• Timeless Old English White over Navy specification

• Manual gearbox example

• Extensively restored by previous owner

• Recent gearbox rebuild and electronic ignition upgrade

• Matching ‘Pagoda’ hard top included

Overview

Effortlessly elegant, fit for Hollywood stars and enthusiasts alike, the Bracq-penned W113 ‘Pagoda’ SL is one of history’s best-looking convertibles. Whether it’s top-down cruising along PCH (that’s the Pacific Coast Highway for us Limeys - Ed) or with the hard top that gave it the Pagoda moniker installed (the latter of which is more likely here in the UK) the W113 gives off the style and sophistication that usually comes with cars that are far more exotic or expensive. And yet, here you have a genuinely usable and enjoyable weekend cruiser backed by Mercedes’ legendary build quality of the era.

This particular 230SL was delivered new to the US, reportedly to Texas, which would no doubt have helped preserve its condition over the years on account of the dry, hot climate. Imported into the UK from South Carolina in 2015 and received a full bare metal respray by its former owner, this W113 has been in the care of our vendor since 2021, during which time numerous mechanical upgrades and refurbishments have been carried out to improve its daily use, including upgrades to the electronic ignition, rubber trims, inner sills, engine tune, mounts and servicing, plus a full overhaul of the 4-speed manual gearbox.

Having previously been restored and then used and enjoyed, this is a fantastic example of the classic ‘Pagoda’ SL that can be driven and enjoyed as Mercedes intended, without the fears that come with owning a concours-standard example. Cars are for driving, after all, and this SL is no exception, as it will turn even the shortest journeys into a glamorous, memorable event. 

History and documentation

• Registered 01 Jan 1966

• First registered in the UK 01 Nov 2015

• Reportedly delivered new to Texas, a so-called ‘dry state’ which no doubt helped preserve this W11; previous South Carolina title present

• Data sheet scan

• Purchased by the current owner in 2021

• The previous owner undertook an extensive restoration which included a respray, fitment of new whitewall tyres, refurbishment of the cabin veneer trims and fitment of a new blue Mohair roof

• Extensive invoices for parts detailing the former owner’s restoration 

• In addition to the gearbox rebuild, in the care of the current owner, the car has reportedly received conversion to electronic ignition, a service, a new clutch, new engine and shock absorber mounts, and other miscellaneous mechanical works

• Collection of other miscellaneous invoices

• On account of being a historic vehicle, this 230SL is exempt from mandatory MOT testing

• V5 present in owner’s name

Interior

• Navy Blue MB-Tex interior in lovely condition

• The wooden veneer trims were replaced when the car was given a light restoration by the former keeper

• Some ageing is visible to the various chrome trims throughout the cabin

• The carpets were replaced in the car’s recent history, and still present very well

• Both seats are in excellent condition with no visible damage

• The interior is lightly patinated in a way that adds character to the vehicle, and fits its overall aesthetic as a usable but very presentable classic

• The seller notes that replacement rubber trims have been fitted throughout

• Period Becker stereo 

Exterior

• Classic Old English White paintwork, resprayed around 10 years ago

• As you might expect, there is some light wear such as minor stone chips and small blemishes 

• Some light bubbling to the paintwork is visible upon up-close inspection

• The Mohair hood presents in very good order, having been fitted by the previous keeper, exhibiting only some expected storage marks and creases

• The chrome accents on the bodywork retain a good shine overall, with only some minor patination and dulling noted on the older trims

• Matching ‘Pagoda’ hard top included which looks to be in great shape

• Wheel condition notes

• Looking closely, we can see some minor blemishes on the colour-matched wheel ‘beauty trims’

• The underside is reported to be in good condition with no known corrosion issues

• Overall, a very smart example of the Bracq masterpiece that will draw plenty of admiring glances wherever you go

Mechanical

• 2,281cc M127 inline-six engine unique to the 230SL

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Under the bonnet, the engine bay looks to be in good order, with some typical ageing visible to exposed components and fastenings

• Electronic ignition upgrade

• This SL seems to start easily and without and smoke or other problems, as can be seen in the video below

• No reported faults or issues

Summary

Timelessly beautiful and still commanding an impressive road presence to this day without needing to shout about it, the 230SL ‘Pagoda’ is the epitome of understated elegance, and is the ideal classic for the style-conscious collector who wants to enjoy roof-down motoring without the brashness that comes with some modern-day roadsters.

This particular SL presents very well on account of its previous restoration and ongoing maintenance, and would make for a fine addition to any stable.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Orpington, Kent.