Mercedes-Benz W113 230 SL Pagoda extensively restored German first delivery (1964)

Vehicle description

It is one of the most famous nicknames for a Mercedes-Benz model: "Pagoda". The reason for this was the inwardly curved hardtop, which is reminiscent of Far Eastern temple buildings and is intended to provide more rigidity. But that was more of a side note in 1963, after all, the first successor generation after 190 SL and 300 SL Roadster came onto the market. The body, derived from the "tail fin" saloon (W 111), sets a new safety standard with crumple zones. The new SL was delivered as a convertible with folding top and optional hardtop or as a hardtop roadster 2+2 without soft top. While the 190 SL and 300 SL expressed comfort and sportiness in their own model, Mercedes-Benz tried to combine both characteristics in the 113.

The Mercedes-Benz model to be auctioned in this auction is a so-called "pagoda" from 1964 – more precisely a 230SL. This SL was registered with the chassis number 11304212003131 for the first time in Germany, according to the seller, a total of 5 owners should have called the 230SL their own over the years. A history of this Mercedes-Benz cannot be submitted, but the current owner assumes matching numbers. Only recently, the 230SL underwent a partial restoration, an expert opinion completed before the reconstruction resulted in a market value of € 71,000 and a replacement value of € 85,200 in 2019. In addition to the TÜV, which runs until July 2023, the car already has an H-approval.

Defects in the exterior cannot be found due to the recent partial restoration of the Mercedes-Benz – since this pagoda has benefited from a new body design according to the seller's statements. There are no traces of corrosion or other deficits such as color differences or dents to be detected on the black paint, and all chrome trim is in impeccably shiny condition. The seller mentions that the paint has only been freshly sealed. The red soft top is perfectly matched to the interior: it has no cracks in the fabric or in the rear window and has only recently been renewed. The owner can rule out accidental damage during its holding period.

The seller attests to the tires a condition of 70-90% of their new condition, as well as the brakes. The rims are original steel rims with chrome hubcaps, some of which are kept in body color. In terms of chassis technology, there are obviously no modifications deviating from the original condition.

Only this month, almost the entire interior of this 230Sl was rebuilt: Leather, carpet, dashboard, chrome in the interior were redesigned and the entire trunk was completely redesigned. The stylish SL interior of the W 113 impresses with its perfect overall condition without any signs of wear. In contrast to the red leather is the ivory-coloured 2-spoke steering wheel. Features include power steering and a Pioneer accessory radio with loudspeakers installed behind the seats on board the SL. Furthermore, a hardtop is included. The soft top mechanism, which is in clean condition, is easy to use. All controls and displays in the interior of this 230SL work just as smoothly.

78,960 kilometers can be read from the 5-digit speedometer in the chrome-framed instrument landscape. A checkbook or a history of the cabriolet is no longer available, so the mileage can not be proven – but it can be said that due to the recent rebuilding of this pagoda, the overall condition of the exterior, interior and technology is completely positive.

As the model name "230SL" already reveals, the 2.3-liter in-line six-cylinder engine of this pagoda delivers 150 hp. This power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic. In 2021, the last service work took place, the powertrain works without audible deficits.

There are no inconsistencies on the underside of the Mercedes-Benz, the underside is in good shape, the cavities are sealed. The W 113 created by Paul Bracq is a timeless classic icon, the body design of this Mercedes-Benz SL model looks graceful, and the low side line enhances the intense open-top driving experience. With this pagoda to be auctioned here, every journey becomes an experience, the 230SL conveys original driving pleasure. With the black/red color combination of this SL you are always well dressed and the all around very good condition of this pagoda is completely convincing.

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