1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda

***Vendor supplied images***

Highlights


  • Highly impressive example of the popular Mercedes-Benz Roadster
  • Beautifully presented silver-grey paintwork
  • Nicely specified interior with wood veneers
  • American registration
  • All EU import duties and taxes paid

The Appeal


Introduced in 1963, the Pagoda was a smash hit for Mercedes-Benz the moment it rolled out of the factory. It was a sporty, comfortable two-door roadster that set the foundation for the brand’s modern reputation for build quality, aesthetics, and comfort. The DNA is all here, put together into a classic that’s still holding up nicely against modern contemporaries. Truth be told, looking back, it all looks rather ahead of its time.

This example comes to us with very little paperwork, but an awful lot of character and a stunning colour scheme. It’s entirely unmodified and, to our eyes, barely blemished. A solid example for either a crown jewel in your collection, or a versatile daily driver. 

The History and Paperwork


  • Sadly we don’t know much about the history of this vehicle
  • No booklets or history provided upon sale
  • Euro specification with km five-figure odometer, indicating 16,348km
  • American registration
  • All EU import duties and taxes paid

The Interior


  • Very nicely specified interior with wood accents and bright chrome work
  • Attractive black MB Tex seating and door cards 
  • Original period features including original radio

The 230 SL Pagoda is a truly evocative vehicle both inside and out. With its MB Tex seating, attractive chromework and subtle wood accents setting a classy tone. The mixed materials, the beautifully arranged dashboard and the ‘record’ dials make this a cabin to be proud of. 

The best bit is that this appears to be an excellent, unmodified survivor. Save for a pleasant smattering of patinated chrome, the dashboard is in excellent order with everything appearing very clean, bright and readable. We’ve not been informed of any faults to the instruments, and the original stereo is still sitting snuggly in its mounting. 

The MB Tex seating is still to original factory specification, with no visible rips or tears that we can see. The gentle creasing to the leather is the only betrayal of the car’s use, with the occasional surface spot or mark to the bolsters. Their chrome mounts and frames are still bright, while the wood partition appears free of cracking - with a nice, clean ashtray for those so inclined…

The door cards are nicely presented, showing minimal levels of wear, with all of the handles and mounts looking spot–on and ready for their new owner. This is also the case in the headlining and the internals of the fold-out soft top.

The carpets are in fine condition throughout, right through to the storage space behind the seats. This proves equally true of the boot, which is in good solid order with an excellent-looking spare wheel. 

The Exterior 


  • Beautifully presented paintwork in silver-grey with chrome trims
  • Fold-out black soft top with transparent rear panel 
  • No dents or faults that we can discern
  • Original colour was white according to Wagenkarte

Sleek, unfussy and square - the 230 SL is a beautifully presented Roadster, with a nice simple aesthetic that stands out amongst its peers. The fishbowl headlights, the squared grill with the Mercedes-Benz badge, the subtle lines across the side panels - this is a sporty motor that means business. 

Everything here seems like a bit of a showstopper. The paintwork is near-pristine, with plenty of shine and no visible chips and losses that we can discern. This continues through to the colour-matched alloys, which look to be in very good condition with a gentle patina to the chrome. 

The headlight lenses appear to be clean and free of any cracks or fractures, as does the windshield. The branding is all present and correct, as are the handles and locks. When folding out the soft top, we can’t spot any rips or tears, and the rear window is still transparent with no major faults. 

The wheels are shod in a good set of Toyo tyres, and we’re informed of no major faults to the underside of the vehicle. If the example of what’s above is anything to go by, we expect this to be a very solid car. 

The Mechanics 


  • Powered by a 2.3L M127.II inline-six engine, producing 148hp
  • Married to a 4-speed manual transmission
  • Engine bay looks to be in very good order with minor wear
  • No reports of mechanical faults from the vendor
  • No reports of smoke, leaks, or knocks from the engine

With everything reported to be in fine order, this 230 SL is a solid candidate for a future daily driver. Matching up admirably with its cosmetic condition, the car reportedly starts, shifts, accelerates and brakes as expected, with no reports of smoke, leaks or knocks from the engine bay. 

IMG_6737.JPG 4.17 MB

Summary


We have little doubt that this is one of the finest examples of the 230 SL that we’ve seen. It’s a solid example through and through and should make for a very rewarding addition to any fleet. 

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1964
  • Make Mercedes
  • Model 230
  • Colour Silver/Grey
  • Odometer 16,348 Kilometres
  • Engine size 2300
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Trade
  • Town Beek en Donk
  • Location International
  • Country Netherlands
Bidding history
31 bids
  • Elvisca•••• €65,000 01/02/23
  • Elvisca•••• €59,000 31/01/23
  • Dakar20•••• €57,500 31/01/23
  • Elvisca•••• €57,000 31/01/23
  • dru17 €55,500 31/01/23
  • Elvisca•••• €55,000 31/01/23
  • dru17 €53,500 31/01/23
  • Elvisca•••• €53,000 31/01/23
  • Dakar20•••• €52,500 31/01/23
  • Elvisca•••• €51,500 31/01/23

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