1964 Mercedes Benz 230sl Pagoda Automatic

Launched in 1963 to replace the underpowered 190SL and utilising some of the new manufacturing techniques being adopted in the emerging S Class, the Paul Bracq designed 230SL was proudly unveiled to an appreciative audience.Remaining in production until 1971 with around 49,000 finding customers the W113 class eventually spanned three engine sizes. They were all fuel- injected with the initial 2.3 litre and the 2.5 litre in 1966 producing around 150 bhp, whilst in 1967 the 280SL became available with 170 bhp and a useful increase in torque.All looked similar with a low waistline, wide stance, fish bowl headlamps and big curved greenhouse windows with that very distinctive dished hardtop, giving rise to it's now universally adopted "Pagoda " nickname.

Dating from 1964 this car was exported to the Isle of Man in 1971 and is recorded there as having four transfers of keeper, although three were within a few weeks and may have been dealers or inter company. On it's return to the UK in 1982 the vehicle was re registered RRF 129 and was owned for 29 years by a gentleman from Leeds who believes the mileage of just over 67,000 at the time of his purchase to be genuine, but this cannot be warranted. The vendor purchased the Mercedes in September, 2011 with an indicated mileage of 70,113 and has carried out a considerable amount of work on the car. Invoices on file indicate that during 2007/8 approximately £12,000 was spent by the previous owner on the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and exhaust.The current owner, however, has since spent a further £26,000 with marque expert John Haynes in Worthing, including a full engine and automatic gearbox rebuild, during 2012/13 and these invoices are available for inspection.

This right hand drive SL is resplendent in Maroon with a cream lower panel, matching cream hard top and a cream interior, all set off delightfully by a gold coach line and narrow band whitewall tyres.

The paintwork is believed to be original and is sound but the car would benefit from a respray. The vendor tells us that the interior has recently been re trimmed with the exception of the seats which need recovering, and a new black soft top added at the same time. A refurbished original Becker radio and electric aerial complete the look.

The tyres are a recent fitment and mileage over the last few years has been very low with the odometer at the last MoT reading 71,738. The vendor confirms that the car drives really well.

The history file contains the Owners Manual, a W113 Buyers Guide, period Brochure, the factory Data Sheet, MoT certificates going back to 2006, lots of invoices and a spare set of keys. The car will come to sale with a fresh MoT.

The vendor has completed the mechanical restoration of this little SL and, although it's perfectly usable in it's current condition, some fresh paint would take it to the next level.