Vendor supplied images
HIGHLIGHTS
- Repainted bodywork
- New leather interior
- Thoroughly overhauled mechanics
- Original Blaupunkt radio
- An attractive SL W113 with efficient mechanics, in need of some work
THE APPEAL
Presented in 1963, the Mercedes SL W113 started a new era for sports roadsters, combining robust and reliable mechanics, with a shortened W111 "Fintail" sedan chassis and the powerful M127 six-cylinder fuel injected engines developed for the luxurious Mercedes W187, with refined, well finished and comfortable interiors.
The bonnet, bootlid and doors were built in aluminium to reduce weight.
Heir to the complex and expensive 300 SL W198, which had brought Mercedes back to the pinnacle of the automotive industry but was a niche product intended for a few extremely wealthy customers, and to the small 190 SL, often criticized for giving priority to style over performance, the new SL aimed to offer high-level sporting performance and attractive aesthetics at an accessible price.
Characterized by a unique, sober and extremely modern style and immediately nicknamed "Pagoda" due to the unusual shape of its exclusive concave hard-top, the SL W113, which remained in production until 1971 with three different engines, became a model for all the following SLs, marrying sophisticated style and engineering excellence in a vehicle designed to transport its occupants safely, quickly and with unrivaled comfort and panache.
Originally sold in Germany and imported into Italy in 2015, this 230 SL is equipped with the first of the engines offered for this model, the 2.3-liter inline six-cylinder with around 150 hp and features a nice restored interior with new leather upholstery and thoroughly overhauled and carefully tuned mechanics.
The bodywork, restored and repainted in the original colour in the past, reveals some defects, such as scratched and chipped paint and old repairs that should be corrected, as well as some rust spots on the chassis and underbody.
The bodywork, restored and repainted in the original colour in the past, reveals some defects, such as scratched and chipped paint and old repairs that should be corrected, as well as some rust spots on the chassis and underbody.
Fascinating, exciting and endowed with a timeless elegance which makes it extremely fashionable even today, the Mercedes SL W113 is one of the most loved and appreciated spiders of all time.
Among its strong points, this beautiful sports car has attractive, restored and well-equipped interiors and scrupulously tuned and carefully maintained mechanics.
Among its strong points, this beautiful sports car has attractive, restored and well-equipped interiors and scrupulously tuned and carefully maintained mechanics.
Once the bodywork problems will be corrected, its next owner will be able to enjoy a pleasant car with a fun driving experience and a unique and inimitable charm.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
- Sold new in Germany
- Registered in Italy in 2015
- Valid MOT
- Invoices for recent maintenance and new parts
Sold new in Germany, this SL was registered in Italy in 2015 and comes with Italian registration documents.
It has recently been MOTd and has received a thorough service.
It has recently been MOTd and has received a thorough service.
The mechanics of this SL were thoroughly overhauled and many components were replaced, as documented by the available invoices.
THE INTERIOR
- Interior in good general condition
- Seats and door panels reupholstered in black leather
- Restored and efficient dashboard
- Clean, efficient and well preserved soft top
- Brightwork in good condition
- Vintage Blaupunkt radio
The cabin of this SL has been restored in the past and is still in good shape, although it could benefit from some detailing.
The bucket seats with low backrests and the door panels have been reupholstered in black leather.
The upper part of the dashboard is upholstered in black imitation leather and features a nice wood trim. In the central part of the dashboard, the complex heating controls, the vintage Blaupunkt radio and the analogue clock are efficient and in good condition.
The leather-wrapped two-spoke steering wheel with horn ring frames large VDO gauges in excellent condition, with a 220 km/h speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500 rpm redline and vertically oriented auxiliary gauges.
The black carpet is in a nice shape and all the brightwork, such as the handles, the window cranks, the air vents and the beautiful chrome-plated strip that runs across the dashboard, are shiny and intact.
The soft top, intact, clean and free of visible defects, is in very good condition.
THE EXTERIOR
- In fair general condition
- Repainted in the past
- Shiny and intact bumpers
- Efficient headlights
- Original wheel covers
- Brightwork in good condition
- Well preserved soft top
- Paint chips and scratches
- Rust spots on the chassis and underbody
The iconic and timeless design of the SL W113, penned by Friedrich Geiger, Béla Barényi and Paul Bracq, has retained all of its original freshness and is still extremely current and pleasant, giving this car a truly unique elegance and charm.
Repainted in the past in its original blue colour, this SL features a black soft top in good condition, retractable antenna, double chrome rear-view mirrors and double exhaust pipes with chrome trim.
The 14" steel wheels feature body-coloured hubcaps with chrome outer rims.
The front bumper is in very good condition, intact and shiny, as are the nice twin rear bumpers and all the badges.
All the brightwork, such as the door and trunk handles, the bold air intake on the bonnet, the beautiful strips that join the fenders, the windshield frame and the bezels of the headlights and taillights are in excellent condition.
The bodywork has been restored in the past and shows some imperfections and paint chips, particularly on the edge of the aluminum bonnet, near the door handle on the passenger side and on the edge of the driver's side door.
In some areas, such as inside the left door jamb, repairs carried out in the past will need to be corrected, as highlighted in the photo gallery.
The chassis and underbody show some rust spots, particularly near the engine.
THE MECHANICS
- 2,308 cc inline six-cylinder engine with 148 hp
- Bosch fuel injection
- Four-speed gearbox
- Front disc brakes
- Thoroughly overhauled mechanics
- Many new components
- Always maintained with the utmost care
Always carefully maintained, this Mercedes SL is equipped with a four-speed mechanical gearbox and with the elastic and robust M127 inline six-cylinder engine, launched in the fifties for the upscale Mercedes 220 and in production until the mid-eighties, here in a 2.3-liter version with 148 horsepower and Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
After being imported into Italy in 2015, the mechanics of this SL received scrupolous maintenance, documented by invoices, including a full overhaul of the injection system and of the steering box and the adjustment of the valves.
The gearbox has been completely rebuilt and the gearbox support, synchronizers and all seals have been replaced.
The crankshaft is new, as is the water pump.
The steering box has been overhauled.
Before the sale the car received a thorough service and the seller assures that this SL 230 runs very well and has no mechanical problems.
SUMMARY
Since its introduction in 1963, the Pagoda has played a key role in the future development of Mercedes-Benz sports and luxury cars.
Heir to the divine “Gullwing”, the Pagoda W113 made the exciting experience of driving a Super Leicht roadster more accessible and imposed new and revolutionary stylistic trends, with square and essential lines that would inspire automotive design in the following decades.
Spacious, versatile, assembled and finished with great care, the 230 SL was a huge sales success and has always remained one of the most sought-after Mercedes.
Today the prices of the Pagoda are rising dramatically and are a clear sign of how much this car, fascinating and extremely pleasant to drive and experience, is loved by enthusiasts all over the world.
This interesting and honestly presented example could be an excellent opportunity to acquire a first series SL, with interesting specifications, a pleasant interior and solid and well-maintained mechanics.
This interesting and honestly presented example could be an excellent opportunity to acquire a first series SL, with interesting specifications, a pleasant interior and solid and well-maintained mechanics.
Once the flaws of the bodywork have been corrected and the problems of the chassis and underbody have been remedied, the next owner will be able to enjoy a car of great charm which will give him great satisfaction and which will be much admired at any gathering and exhibition.
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BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
