Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 / 250 SL
Desirable British-supplied example fitted with a manual gearbox and uprated to 250 specification in period
Estimate
£48, 000 - £55, 000
Registration No: 682 XAF
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Desirable British-supplied, right-hand drive example fitted with a four-speed manual gearbox
Uprated with a 2, 496cc 250SL specification engine by a Mercedes-Benz main service agent in 1975 and re-badged to suit
Subject to extensive restoration works during the vendor's ownership by Cotswold Classic Car Restorations
Treated to a thorough engine and injector system overhaul in 2025
Successor to both the exotic race-bred 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupé and its humbler 190SL sibling, the W113 series SL proved more comfortable than the former and faster than the latter (a point emphasised by Eugen Bohringer's 1963 Liège-Sofia-Liège rally victory). First of the line, the 230SL was introduced at the March, 1963, Geneva Salon. Penned by Paul Bracq, its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and disc brakes. Powered by a 2, 308cc SOHC straight-six engine mated to either an automatic or manual transmission, the model was credited with 150bhp and 159lb ft of torque. Reputedly capable of 124mph, it was praised by the contemporary motoring press for its performance, roadholding, and refinement. Available in California Coupé, Convertible or Coupé Convertible guises, the last of these came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof, so called because of its gently scalloped centre section.
We consider this 1964 230/ 250 SL to be one of the most desirable W113s on the market on account of its superb specification, combining rare original features with an engine upgrade made in period. Hailing from the second year of 230 SL production, ‘682 XAF’ represents an extremely scarce example of a British-market, right-hand drive manual SL, besides being one of very few to carry an original pre-suffix registration.
This SL’s history begins in 1975, when it was owned by Mr. R. B. Foreman of Polperro. Invoices indicate it was maintained then by M. Thomas (Continentals) Ltd., a Mercedes-Benz and Audi garage in Plymouth. Work included the fitment of a 250 SL engine in 1975, with a corresponding boot badge; introduced in 1966, the 250’s engine featured an increased stroke, raising displacement to 2, 496cc and torque to a claimed 159lb ft. Intermittent records continue up to 1986, after which the Mercedes led a quieter life until 2013, when the then-owner presented it to respected classic Mercedes specialist Hilton & Moss for an extensive programme of works, which included welding, wiring repairs, replacement of the clutch slave cylinder, wheel cylinders and fuel pump, and some paint touch-up, coming to a total of just over £10, 000.
Further maintenance was performed by SS Motors in 2016, including a gearbox overhaul with new bushes and spacers. The vendor purchased the Mercedes in 2018 and commissioned further improvements with Cotswold Classic Car Restorations. Welding repairs to the floorpan and rear suspension mounting areas were undertaken in 2019, and a new stereo was fitted, the work costing £8, 350. Most recently, an £18, 000 engine overhaul was performed from September, 2022, to February, 2023, with new rings, bearings and valve guides. Now in excellent order, ‘682 XAF’ has been used regularly by the vendor and was recently driven some 200 miles to our storage facility. It is supplied with the current V5C, copious invoices dating back to 1975, some recent sales invoices, and a few MOTs dating back to 1977.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
