1965 | Mercedes-Benz 230 SL

DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1965 | COLOUR: BURGUNDY RED | INTERIOR TRIM: BLACK MB TEX

LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS LHD MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL PAGODA, A TRUE DRIVER'S CAR BENEFITING FROM MANUAL TRANSMISSION WITHOUT POWER STEERING.

THE APPEAL
With its timeless appeal, the W113 Pagoda is the definitive collectible Mercedes-Benz – a handsomely proportioned car, technically ahead of its time and incredibly well-engineered. Costing nearly twice as much as an E-Type when new, its elegance, reliability and sporting prowess became an instant attraction for the rich and famous – notable past Pagoda owners include John Lennon, Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston and Sir Stirling Moss.

THIS VEHICLE
With original delivery to the dry climate USA, this Pagoda’s excellent bodyshell has been very well preserved and is the best we have seen in years. Very solid car which has been well protected including the underfloor which presents well.

With its free-revving 2,300cc five main bearing engine producing excellent torque, this is a true driver’s car. With a precise gear shift and non-power assisted steering, it’s very responsive, offering a much sharper driving experience than the more leisurely automatic 280SL. A delight to drive, and in our opinion the best way to own a Pagoda.

The four-speed manual transmission is a delight to use and would be well suited to taking this Pagoda on European rallies, and the soft clutch makes for an equally appealing classic for town driving.

Recent works include:

• Component off repaint by Specialist £21,400
• Dash retrim
• Chrome plating
• Engine bay detail & plating of lines
• Cosmetic refresh with parts of some £13,800 changed during the repaint
• Mechanical work by Lux Classics with invoices of £27,300

Its eye-catching road presence and appealing period aura is completed with the Blockley white wall tyres – the best available and the correct size.

Pre-sales preparation will include service and ready for the next owner to enjoy.

On sale on behalf of its owner as a consignment sale.

WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE

MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
The 230SL (W113) was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 as a replacement for its predecessors, the 190SL and 300SL. The 230SL was updated in November 1966 to the 250SL and in November 1967 to the last production series as a 280SL.

With its inwardly facing roof curvature and many analogies with Far Eastern Temples, these models soon became better known as the ‘Pagoda’. They were however relatively easy to get in and out of due the tall nature of the roof. The W113’s clean, elegant straight lines typify the work of its lead designer - the legendary Paul Bracq. It had virtually nothing in common with its predecessors, with only the chassis based on that of the 220SE (W111) saloon modified to offer a sportier feel. It was available as a convertible with a hard top and soft folding roof.

The bonnet was styled with a slight bulge to accommodate the straight six cylinder engine, again developed from that in the saloon. Developing 148 hp for the 230SL and 168 hp for the 280SL with mechanical multi-port fuel injection it produced a very smooth power delivery. It was offered with standard four-speed manual, or an optional extra four-speed automatic transmission too, and later with the ZF five-speed manual transmission.

With recirculating ball steering, a dual-circuit brake system, gas-filled shock absorbers and radial ply tyres, it offered a sporty feeling with exceptional handling due to its taut chassis, but also a very compliant ride too. The Pagoda was the first ever sports car to come with a ‘safety body’. It had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure.

The Pagoda proved to be a sound foundation for all subsequent SLs: An exceptional blend of good performance with the highest levels of comfort, with some 48,912 built between 1963 and 1971.