Highlights
- Removable Pagoda hardtop present
- Mechanical refresh with engine overhaul in 2021
- Rare, red metallic colour scheme
- 2.3 litre engine with an automatic transmission
The Appeal
When it came to market in 1963, the W113 era Mercedes SL turned heads and appealed to buyers almost immediately. A masterclass in Paul Bracq design saw the coveted model taken in an entirely new direction styling wise, whilst remaining true to the core values of what made the SL continually popular and a leader in the luxury convertible market. Suave, advanced and incredibly robust, it could only be a classic Mercedes.
As values seem to soar the idea of a US spec Pagoda becomes all the more appealing, with a great number of the models destined for the Hollywood elite at the time, imported US cars present as a great way to get into the world of Pagoda ownership and that's exactly what we have here. Smartly presented in its lustrous red hue, this 1964 230SL is a fine example of the coveted nameplate and will surely make a welcome addition to the collection of even the most devoted Mercedes enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured 1964
- Originally a US car, believe to have been destined for California
- Brought into the UK circa 2017
- Copy of the California title for the car is present
- Invoice for 2021 mechanical refurbishment with engine overhaul coming in at a cost of around £2300
- Fully UK registered
- V5 registration document is present with the vehicle
- Both tax and MOT exempt due to the car’s age and historic status
- Despite MOT exemption the vendor advises that a fresh MOT will be put onto the car on sale for added peace of mind for the next owner
The Interior
- High quality brown leather throughout
- Cabin presented in good highly original order
- Upgraded radio head unit
Charming and stylishly, marvellously nostalgic. The suave cabin of the 230SL is an undoubtedly special place to be. In fine original form, boasting good quality upholstery and trim, both wood and chrome, across the board, this 230 is certainly one of the better ones out there and exhibits as such.
Two lovely seats take precedence within the interior space, a rich light brown tan upholstery highlights very little in the way of wear and blemishing and instead emphasises impeccable stitching and cushioning amongst other signs of the finest quality Mercedes craftsmanship, here the only more notable sign of blemishing is some detaching of the piping on the driver's seat. Continuing the brown motif are the two door panels, of a similarly high quality, neatly detailed off with smart and well preserved door furniture and chrome trim. At ground level we find a plush black carpet set which drapes its way throughout the cabin floor, well presented, in fine fettle.
Linking in is the exceptional curved dash panel, mixing yet more brown with body coloured deep red panelling and a cluster of chrome trim and switchgear, all of which is in truly fine form and is understood to be working well. An upgraded Blaupunkt radio head unit resides in the centre of the panel and protruding outward is the chrome and black Mercedes steering wheel. While the leather and chrome centre section are in good shape, the external black rim of the wheel would likely benefit from some attention to bring it up to standard as there is some cracking in places.
At the rear we find a simple and clean boot area, within which sits a full size spare wheel, jack and an older first aid kit.
Overall this is a well presented interior space, well stocked with what seem to be all the important original features, in good clean form.
The Exterior
- Excellent deep red metallic paint work
- Removable body coloured Pagoda hardtop
- High quality chrome trim throughout
- Iconic Paul Bracq exterior design
The W113 was a far cry from its predecessors when it came to styling. Straight, Paul Bracq derived angular lines took the place of the more rounded and curved body panels found on its SL forebears. A radical new direction for the marque, this was certainly a risk, but one that paid dividends for Mercedes. The W113 was and still is regarded as one of the finest looking automobiles of all time, and garners adoring looks from just about everyone. With its sloped lines, lashings of chrome trim and distinctive roof, it is undeniably a handsome automobile.
This particular example looks rather dashing in its deep red paint scheme believed to be Mercedes’ “Red Metallic” a rare factory colour choice not often seen on these cars and a wonderful compliment to the brown interior colouring. The paint throughout is in good shape and is entirely presentable with a deep shine across the board, certainly from an aesthetic perspective this is one of the better W113s out there and so much of that comes down to this outstanding colour scheme.
There are some small areas of minor blemishes and age related marking to be seen, most notably a small area of flawing to the outer nearside sill section. This isn't a concours finish SL but it's certainly a show piece.
Chrome trim sits proudly across the bodywork and is in good order, with a great quality shine exuding throughout. The gorgeous front and rear bumpers, decorative headlight trim and aerodynamic wiper panels really do work well to set the car off from an aesthetic perspective. Glass work and lighting is generally of a good quality throughout, although at present there is a crack on the rear nearside tail light, the vendor has advised that they are looking to source a replacement unit prior to sale.
Of course one of the main features of the SL comes in the form of the aforementioned factory hard top roof. Bold in its body coloured Red Metallic hue, the roof unlatches comfortably and with ease and can then be lifted off to thoroughly transform the look of the Mercedes and provide an excellent open top experience whilst behind the wheel.
At ground level sit four good quality wheels with decorative Mercedes wheel trims, these present well and boast coloured match red centres to really complete the look of the car.
The Mechanics
- Legendary 2.3 litre engine
- Automatic transmission
- Subject to mechanical refresh and engine overhaul in 2021
- Will come with a fresh MOT on sale
When Mercedes really were the last name in mechanical engineering. The 1960s saw some of the finest overengineering seen within the automotive industry almost all at the hands of the legendary marque. These cars were built to work and to last the ages.
The 2.3 litre straight six found under the bonnet of this particular example appears to be in fine form. Presenting in good honest shape, documentation highlights that in 2021 the engine was separated from the gearbox and extensively overhauled with new gaskets and oil seals and a host of other refurbishments at a cost of just over £2300. As such the car now stands in great mechanical order, and whilst the vendor hasn't done masses of miles in the car, speaks of many great drives undertaken in the car since.
Inspection underneath shows what appears to be a clean and solid example of a W113 Mercedes.
The vendor further advises that on sale the car will be taken for a new MOT despite exemption for added peace of mind for the new owner of the car.
Summary
Undeniably cool, unquestionably stylish and increasingly rare. The W113 230SL is a truly special car indeed, and one that will surely win the heart of just about any devoted Mercedes enthusiast.
Demand for these simply gorgeous Pagoda SLs appears to be on an endless upward high and as such now seems like a perfect time to get into the world of Pagoda ownership. This 1964 LHD example presents prospective buyers with a great opportunity to do just that. Well presented both mechanically and aesthetically and finished in a wonderful colourway it will certainly make a welcome addition to the collection of any devoted Mercedes enthusiast.
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