1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda upgraded to 280
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
• Only two previous owners from new!
• Original right-hand drive example
• Rare manual gearbox
• Uprated with more desirable 280SL engine
• Exceptional condition throughout
The Background
The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, what a work of art! Produced from 1963, the Pagoda was internally known as the W 113. This started off as the W 111 platform, but after making it 30 cm shorter and with some new technology from the W 112, the W113 was created. Launched as a 230SL, the 2.3 litre straight-six produced 148 bhp, and coupled with the 4 speed manual transmission, made it the perfect two-seater roadster offering elegance, outstanding comfort and excellent performance.
Its crowning glory was that it was the first sports car produced worldwide with a safety body which consisted of a rigid passenger cell and front and rear crumple zones. 3 years later the 250 SL model was launched, fitted with the 2.5 litre straight-six giving a noticeable performance increase.
The 250 was followed on in 1967 with the 280SL, this time fitted with the M130 2.8 litre engine which made it the most powerful Pagoda made, and ran up until the end of production in 1971.
Its crowning glory was that it was the first sports car produced worldwide with a safety body which consisted of a rigid passenger cell and front and rear crumple zones. 3 years later the 250 SL model was launched, fitted with the 2.5 litre straight-six giving a noticeable performance increase.
The 250 was followed on in 1967 with the 280SL, this time fitted with the M130 2.8 litre engine which made it the most powerful Pagoda made, and ran up until the end of production in 1971.
The History
The seller of this beautiful 3 Owner Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda, purchased the vehicle in 2013. The Mercedes has been cared for by each of it’s 3 keepers, who have all carried out some extensive work to the German marque.
The main work was completed in the mid 1990’s, when the car received new inner and outer wings, and a rebuilt uprated 2.8 litre engine. The cooling and braking system was also completely overhauled, and the chrome work either re-plated or replaced.
The work was carried out by John Seddon Ivydene Classics in Crewe, Cheshire.
The work was carried out by John Seddon Ivydene Classics in Crewe, Cheshire.
The car was sold to another classic car dealer Dave Snenton who carried out some further work, which included the repaint of the car to the colour you see now, and a new interior installed by Keith Dimler of Middlewich, Cheshire.
The car changed hands again and went to the son of the Lord Lieutenant of West Cumbria, who had the hardtop restored, new wheels fitted and a stainless steel exhaust in 1999.
The car changed hands again and went to the son of the Lord Lieutenant of West Cumbria, who had the hardtop restored, new wheels fitted and a stainless steel exhaust in 1999.
The car made its way to Ireland to a dealer, T + D Heaney, who carried out some work on the vehicle, replacing the front suspension and engine mounts. The next major work was the cylinder head conversion to run on unleaded in 2005. Since then, regular servicing and maintenance has seen the Pagoda stay in the stunning condition you can see in the photographs.
The Paperwork
There is the V5 present from before it moved to Ireland, and it shows 2 previous UK keepers. Since being in Ireland the Irish log book shows 1 previous keeper.
The history file is extensive for the Pagoda. With over 100 invoices to peruse through, you can be certain with this level of history, that any work done on the Mercedes has been carried out to a high standard.
There are plenty of previous MOT certificates dating back to 1985.
The Interior
Inside the Mercedes is finished with mushroom beige leather which is a lovely contrast to the Satin Red exterior. The interior was replaced in the late 1990’s, and is still in excellent condition, with no real wear to be seen on the seats. Sitting in the driver's seat, the steering wheel looks to be the original with no damage to the rim.
There is some aged crazing to the plastic of the Mercedes badge in the center. The dashboard is finished in matching leather to the seats and is in excellent order. The fascia is matching body colour, with chrome trim across the top and the air vents, all of which are in beautiful condition.
The instruments and gauges are also in excellent order with bright bezels and clear glass. They are working as they should, and the odometer is reading 32,181 miles. Also working as it should is the radio. The only thing the seller pointed out is that sometimes the indicator stalk, when signaling left, doesn't stay in that position.
The carpets have also been replaced at the same time as the seats, with leather piping to match the seats, and these are also in good order with just some light wear to the driver’s heel pad. Up above, the headlining for the removable hardtop is in good condition, with no sagging to mention. Into the boot, and this has a matching carpet, with the spare wheel mounted to the right complete with its cover.
The Exterior
The exterior of this 1966 mercedes-Benz Pagoda is finished in Satin Red 72L, and we think you will agree it looks absolutely fantastic. The car has clearly been pampered since it was repainted, with no noticeable stone chips, the front is in excellent order. The chrome work was either re-plated or replaced in the mid 1990’s as needed, and so has a nice bright finish. The bonnet aligns as it should with the wings and a nice equal panel gap.
Around to the flanks of the shapely Pagoda the doors look to align as they should. There are no dings or dents to spoil the stunning swage lines, and the chrome trim, handles and window surrounds are all in excellent order with a bright finish and no tarnishing to be seen. The removable roof is as it should be, with bright chromework and scratch free glass.
To the rear, the boot lid fits the aperture as it should, again with all the chrome work in stunning condition. The light lenses are free from any splits or cracks. The car still retains the 230 SL badge, but it is now in fact a 280 SL after an engine upgrade.
The wheels look to be the originals and the trims are in good condition. The tyres are also in good condition with plenty of tread remaining for the new keeper.
The Mechanics
This Pagoda was originally fitted with a 2.3 litre straight-six engine. Not quite enough at the time for the then keeper, he opted for the 2.8 litre engine to be fitted, which was fully rebuilt by John Seddon Ivydene Classics in Crewe, Cheshire. This was in the mid 1990’s.
The seller reports the upgraded 230SL starts up straight away, with no untoward noises coming from the engine or the 4-speed manual gearbox, which is reported to change gear smoothly.
More recently, in 2005, the cylinder head was rebuilt by Commiskey Engineering in Portadown, to enable the Mercedes to happily run on unleaded. New shock absorbers were also fitted at the same time. On the braking side of things, the vehicle comes to a halt as it should, with no juddering from the pedal.
The car has been constantly maintained and serviced over the years, even though it’s not been covering many miles and there are invoices to back this up.
The Appeal
Replacement inner and outer wings, new fuel tank, rebuilt engine, respray and a new interior makes this an immensely desirable 1966 Mercedes Benz Pagoda 230SL in stunning condition. It has the added bonus of being upgraded to a 280, and let’s not forget it only has 3 previous keepers.
The Pagoda offers elegant styling with a luxurious interior, perfect to offer a high class level of travel wherever you may be going. You can be sure you will enjoy it.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1966
- Make Mercedes
- Model 230 SL Pagoda
- Colour Red
- Odometer 32,181 Miles
- Engine size 2800
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Country Ireland
35
bids
- Ti•••• £82,000 10/01/22
- ha•••• £81,500 10/01/22
- Ti•••• £81,000 10/01/22
- ha•••• £80,500 10/01/22
- LE•••• £80,000 10/01/22
- se•••• £79,500 10/01/22
- ha•••• £79,000 10/01/22
- se•••• £78,000 10/01/22
- ha•••• £77,500 10/01/22
- se•••• £72,400 10/01/22
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.