1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda

Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and produced until 1971, the 230SL was based on the W111 sedan platform, with a reduced wheelbase, recirculating ball steering, double wishbone front suspension and an independent single-joint, low-pivot swing rear axle with a transverse compensator spring. Offered with a 4-speed manual transmission, or an optional, very responsive fluid coupled 4-speed automatic transmission, the former was the more popular choice in Europe.

Offered here is a right-hand drive, 4-speed manual, 1965 230SL Pagoda finished in gold with a black interior and supplied with a black hardtop in nice condition. According to some documents contained within the history file, the bodywork was restored around 1987 - 1988, when new wings and sills were fitted, along with an engine overhaul, however, we cannot confirm who carried out this work.

In April 1989, at which time the mileage was recorded as 61,340, the car was sold by Christies to a Mr and Mrs Dieter Kiel of Plymouth. During their ownership, the car was maintained fastidiously by Daley Motors of Plymouth, with every receipt & MoT documented, along with parts invoices from Mercedes-Benz. The couple were to own "DYX 790C' for 15 years, before selling the car in 2004, to a Mr Maurice Webb, who kept it for a further 4 years before himself selling to the next owner, a Mr S. McInerney. The latter named keeper took ownership of this 230SL until 2014 when our vendor acquired the car.

Upon purchase, our vendor sent the car to classic Mercedes-Benz specialists, Roger Edwards Motors of Amersham, for fine tuning, and in the winter of 2014 spent £3,518 having the rear axle removed & reassembled with a new centre bush, new top mounts, replacement rubber boots all round, new shock absorbers and a new alternator fitted. A new opportunity overseas for our vendor, has meant that it is now time to pass on the baton of ownership to the next person for this very useable little "Pagoda". Accompanied by a nice history file, a UK V5C and MoT, this car, whilst not a concours contender, is presentable and can be enjoyed for many years to come.