1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL 'Pagoda'

Proudly unveiled to an appreciative audience at the Geneva Motor Show of 1963, the Paul Bracq designed, second generation SL began with the 230. Its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension, power assisted disc/drum brakes, recirculating ball steering, and a 2306cc straight-six engine of 150bhp and 145 lb-ft of torque mated to either a four-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Remaining in production until 1971, the W113 Class, frequently referred to as the 'Pagoda', eventually spanned three engine sizes. Of the 48,912 W113 Series cars made between 1963 and 1971, 19,831 were 230SLsDFH 125B was purchased in 2015 from a private collection within an estate as the owner had sadly passed away. He had purchased the car in 1988 and duly set about a restoration. The vehicle was originally registered in his companies' name and at some point was transferred to his own name so, although it has had four keepers 'on paper', two of them were the same. The car appears to have been truly cherished throughout this 27 year period. The odometer was reset at the time of the restoration so we obviously cannot warrant the car's indicated mileage today. Approximately 8 years ago it was taken off the road, and since 2015 a sympathetic partial restoration has been carried out. Our vendor took the whole vehicle apart and either renewed, where required, or cleaned and repaired all else.The engine was taken out and rebuilt and a new clutch fitted. New bulkhead covers and engine undertray have been fitted, and the engine and ancillaries have been nicely detailed, so the engine bay is very impressive indeed. The car was fully serviced at this point.The bodywork was taken back to a bare shell with all the glass out and has been professionally repainted in a distinctive Sea Green. No expense appears to have been spared on the interior and the new trim looks superb. The steering wheel has been professionally restored, as has all the chrome. The hood is in Beige and is in lovely condition, and the hardtop is in Gloss Black, and again has been restored. Hundreds of hours and around £35,000 have been invested to return this Pagoda to top form. All the qualities that made the Pagoda SLs so desirable in their heyday remain today - chic styling, Teutonic build quality, and great driving 'feel'. This little green 'Pagoda' is very appealing and the world's enthusiasm for these charismatic, sixties' Mercedes sports cars, shows little sign of abating.