Mercedes-Benz W113 230 SL Pagoda restored engine overhauled (1965)

Vehicle description

The successor to the legendary 300 SL was the 230 SL of the W 113 series at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963. The initially unfamiliar appearance of the sports car immediately set the 230 SL apart from other vehicles in this class. Its dominant design feature was a detachable coupé roof that lowered itself outside any norm towards the center of the vehicle and was popularly dubbed "Pagoda". Word quickly got around that the second generation of the SL series was a real touring car – but its performance was by no means tame: 150 hp from the 2.3-liter six-cylinder accelerated the 230 SL to 200 km/h. According to research, almost 20,000 copies of the 230 SL were produced.

In this auction there is the possibility to buy a Mercedes-Benz, the W 113 series, as a 230 SL. First the pagoda with the chassis number 11304210016937 was delivered on 29.06.1966. This Benz has only seen 4 holders since its delivery. Of these, three are entries on the seller Private and his company. Various documents such as invoices, previous receipts, some TÜV reports and even an expert opinion are available for the vehicle – the history of the 230 SL can thus be proven. Two keys are enclosed with it and there is also a registration with H license plate, with TÜV until August 2023.

Restored and painted, this Mercedes-Benz shines in the colour "Merc.573". The current condition of the body is described by the seller as good/satisfactory. All trim parts on the vehicle are fully available and have a condition appropriate to the age – all chrome elements on the 230 SL still shine as they should, but minor defects or signs of use are also part of it. Rust on the body can not be found and the current owner states that the Mercedes-Benz in the current possession ran accident-free.

According to the seller, the tires are still in order and mounted on original Mercedes steel rims with hubcaps in body color. Neither the steel rims nor the red decorative caps show any traces of damage. Partly overhauled, the brakes, chassis and shock absorbers present themselves in neatly indicated condition.

In the interior of the 230 SL there are traces of use corresponding to the old. The red leather seats have not lost their charm, the traces of use tell a story and contribute to the character of the summer coupé. The door panels and dashboard match the age of the 230 SL, while the footwell looks very well preserved. The two-spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring and the gear knob are also brilliant. The function of the soft top is impeccably given: It can be easily opened and also locked again. In addition to the power steering, the equipment also includes an original contemporary Becker Grand Prix radio. The function of all instruments in the interior is given.

The instruments are framed in chrome frames in the speedometer: the five-digit speedometer has a mileage of 89,520 kilometers. The total mileage is probably 250,000 kilometers – which can also be understood on the basis of the available documents.

As the model designation 230 SL already reveals, a 150 hp 2.3-liter engine works under the hood of this pagoda. The in-line six-cylinder engine is combined with a 5-speed manual transmission from ZF, which can be operated flawlessly after consultation with the seller. In 2010, the engine was completely overhauled. In the course of this work, the engine was converted to transistor ignition and a stainless steel exhaust was installed.

The underbody and parts of the body were flame galvanized. The underside of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL is free of underbody protection and as far as can be seen as original: the condition largely reflects the mileage of the pagoda.

In August 2021 there was the last service, the owner recommends, next, to take care of the hardtop. The hardtop is complete with trolley and tarpaulin, but has restoration needs.

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