Description
• First delivery to Mozambique
• Rare 5-speed ZF gearbox version (only around 200 units built)
• Nuts & Bolts restoration
• Only 2 previous owners
History of the Mercedes W113
1963 may be one of the most important and exciting years for new cars. Not only was the Porsche 911 unveiled for the first time in 1963, but also the beautiful hardtop convertible W113 at the Geneva Motor Show. Because of the inward-curving fixed roof, available as an option, the SL quickly earned the nickname Pagoda. This cabriolet succeeded the 190 SL and 300 SL. It was a great success for Mercedes, as nearly 50, 000 units had been delivered by the end of production in 1971.
The W113 series was initially produced in the 230 version and then 250, ending with the 280 version between 1968 and 1971. The new SL is regarded as a two-seater sports car with high performance, superb handling and good comfort.
Not surprisingly, the car during one of its early outings (the legendary Spa – Sofia – Liège rally) would lead to success for drivers Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser.
The design comes from the legendary Paul Bracq and it still pleases customers to this day. The distinctive masculine lines with the Mercedes star mounted in the middle define the unmistakable face of the SL. The bonnet has a slight extra curvature in the middle to provide enough space for the inline six. Even then, extensive safety measures were introduced with the SL, including a stiffer passenger cell, crash zones, a later safety telescopic steering column, seat belts and a shock absorber in the steering wheel. The SL series was also equipped with a dual-circuit braking system and front disc brakes, gas-pressure dampers and radial tyres.
History of the 230 SL shown here
The Mercedes 230 SL shown here is very special and almost unique. According to the Mercedes Classic Center, it was first delivered to Mozambique. In addition to the Ivory 670 colour combination, the first owner ordered the extremely rare and expensive 5-speed gearbox with a 1:4. 08 rear axle ratio and a km display (code 230). During the turmoil of the Carnation Revolution in the mid-70s, this Mercedes then went to Portugal where it was sold and driven by the 2nd owner for a few years. This SL was taken out of service in the early 90s. In 2013, Scuderia Sportiva Colonia had the opportunity to purchase this Mercedes-Benz through a friendly intermediary in Portugal and gradually subjected it to a complete nuts-and-bolts restoration. Now finished, this Mercedes impresses with its elegant and original colour combination. The engine and the gearbox are of course
