Highlights

Desirable 4-speed manual gearbox
Supplied with factory hardtop
Over £12,000 recently invested in mechanical work by marque specialist Colin Ferns
Restored between 2014 and 2018, with a photographic record documenting the work
Rated 9/10 by Colin Ferns, with his written assessment included in the history file

The Appeal

With its big Bosch fishbowl lights, subtle curves, utterly iconic grille and that concave top, the W113 has rightfully become celebrated as one of Mercedes-Benz' most impactful cars. Sitting comfortably between the W198 and the W121, it was meant to fill the dearth in the Merc product range between price and performance. Among the three iterations, the 230SL holds a special place as the original and purest expression of the concept, and examples fitted with the rare 4-speed manual gearbox are particularly sought after.

This 1966 left-hand drive example ticks all the right boxes. Finished in Medium Blue Metallic and supplied with its factory hardtop, it was the subject of a thorough restoration carried out between 2014 and 2018, returning it to the superb condition it now appears in today. A desirable colour scheme, handsome cabin and plenty of character; it's an excellent example of a much-loved classic car.

Crucially, the car has not simply been restored and left to sit. In 2025, it benefited from a major service by marque specialist Colin Ferns, encompassing a new clutch and two new Michelin tyres among other work, with over £12,000 invested in total. Mr Ferns personally inspected the car and rated it 9/10, with his written assessment forming part of an extensive history file. For those seeking a manual Pagoda that has been properly prepared and is ready to be enjoyed, this is a compelling proposition.

History and Paperwork

Left-hand drive example, first registered in the UK in 1966
Registration number VAM 813D
MOT exempt
Photographic record documenting the 2014–2018 restoration in detail
Over £12,000 invested in mechanical work in 2025, supported by invoices
Written inspection report from Colin Ferns rating the car 9/10
Extensive history file containing invoices and service records
V5C present

The Condition

Restored between 2014 and 2018, with the vendor describing the presentation as very good throughout
Bodywork reported to be straight with good panel fit
Medium Blue Metallic paintwork described by the vendor as deep and well-finished
Interior presents well, with supple upholstery and a clean, correct dashboard
Instrumentation reported to be bright and clear
Factory hardtop fits well
Soft top stows neatly

A walk around the W113's handsome lines is sure to start a passionate love affair. The proportions, the styling, the sheer character on display - it's hard not to wax lyrical about these deeply considered machines. This example is a very handsome one, with a Medium Blue metallic livery and a well-presented cabin.

The dashboard boasts clean, legible instruments and is fronted by well-presented seats, with good clean upholstery and door cards. This fine condition runs through to the nicely-kept carpets. We're told that the soft top is lifting and folding correctly, and that the hard top is giving a good, tight fit.

The Mechanics

2.3-litre (2,306cc) straight-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection
4-speed manual gearbox
All-round independent suspension
Front disc brakes
Major service completed in 2025 by marque specialist Colin Ferns
New clutch and two new Michelin tyres fitted in 2025

Mechanically standard, this handsome W113 is as good inside as it is out. The determined, ruggedly built straight-six is still starting and running as it should, married up to the desirable manual transmission, and, following a major service in 2025, we understand that it's in fine mechanical health.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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