• Last owned for 32 years • Indicated 56,218 miles • Desirable manual transmission & factory hardtop • Subject of a ground up restoration
HISTORY
Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 1963, the 230SL, or W113 in Mercedes-Benz language, was a very different sort of sporting car to its fire-breathing predecessors.
Intended as the replacement for the 190SL, the 230SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favour of a 2.3-liter fuel-injected six-cylinder Single Overhead Camshaft (OHC) engine. It featured all-round independent suspension, disc front/drum rear brakes, and the choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed was in excess of 120mph.
Christened 'pagoda top' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the most-loved sports-tourers of their day and there is little wonder why they continue to be highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Owned by the same person for the last 32 years this rather lovely iconic Mercedes SL is now available for a new owner to enjoy.
One of many cars in the owner’s collection, it has been subject to a very long-term complete strip down and rebuild while in his possession covering very little mileage and being stored in a large garage all this time.
The body work was stripped right back to bare metal having been bead blasted, with any rust issues found being addressed and repaired as required. It was then treated to a professional re-spray in Mercedes-Benz Oxford Blue, from its original colour of white, with the majority of the chrome fitments in and around the car being re-chromed or replaced.
The interior was re-trimmed but kept as original as possible so as not to lose that wonderful patina and character of a classic car interior.
Brakes and suspension were completely overhauled and renovated with new discs, callipers and brake lines. The engine was checked over and compression tested and was deemed not to require a rebuild but many other parts were changed including the clutch, fuel pump, and many more besides. The current owner has receipts for over £25,000 for replacement parts and works done on the car during his long-term renovation.
Originally a UK car, it did spend some time in America as it was taken over there by a previous owner before being repatriated in 1989 when it was bought by the current owner.
The SL’s interior is in lovely condition, with just a few things requiring attention should the next owner feel the need to bring it up to concourse standard. The seats look comfortable, supportive, with the door cards, carpets and various fittings being in great shape with just the right amount of age-induced patina to complete that classic car feel.
There are a few items that you could be picky about but none would be a major problem to put right. There are a few shoe scuffmarks on the door cards, a slight staining on the centre console and the wooden trim at the foot of the windscreen need some TLC and re-varnishing.
The beautiful centre driver’s instrument glass has a small crack in it and the speedometer and rev-counter chrome surrounds are showing slight signs of pitting but none of these small issues detract from the overall classic and simple ergonomics of this Mercedes.
The steering wheel is perfect and the period radio and simple dashboard, although nicely weathered, complete the interior perfectly.
Finished in Oxford Blue paint the body is in exceptionally nice and glossy condition, with all chrome fittings and trims being in similarly fine condition, apart from the large Mercedes three-pointed star at the front, which is showing signs of rusting.
The wheels are all in great shape and all have good tyres fitted, the stunning headlights are clear and free from any cloudiness and the shut lines are all good with the car sitting squarely on the road.
The hood is in great shape being only 3 years old, and fits well with the matching factory hard top which is in very good condition as well.
The carpeted boot is neat and tidy and has the spare wheel, jack and toolkit.
Throughout its long-term restoration the car has been regularly started, moved and had all the lubrication and greasing points attended to.
With only about 1,000 miles being put on the clock during his ownership and just about everything being renovated or replaced there is unlikely to be much that needs doing for quite a while.
The owner reports that it runs and drives superbly, causing a stir and much attention wherever she goes.
He also advises that the choke is not operating correctly, and he has currently wedged open the thermostat that controls the fuel/air mixture as a temporary solution rather than having it run too rich. Lastly, whilst the indicated mileage is believed to be correct, the vendor is unable to guarantee this.
APPEAL
This is one of those classic Mercedes cars that pushes all the right buttons of any car enthusiast or collector. Their clear, timeless straight lines and unmistakable SL face including the large centrally positioned Mercedes star, all exude class and quality, making these SL models highly sought after. With the factory hardtop included there is also the benefit of getting an open-topped roadster or coupe, depending on the weather and your preference.
This example ticks a lot of boxes, having the more sought-after manual gearbox, the round rear wheel arches and the factory ‘Pagoda’ hardtop. Add the facts that this is also a well restored and original example with genuine low mileage and this car would undoubtedly be a welcome and enviable addition to any classic car collection.
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1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL
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