Highlights
- Rare original UK right-hand drive example
- Ground-up restored in 2003 and uprated to 280SL
- Has since been in dry Alicante, Southern Spain
- Huge history file with lots of invoices and photos of the restoration
- Driven 1,000 km across Spain in January 2023 on it's way back to the UK
- Recent invoices from Marque specialist Colin Ferns totaling almost £5,000
- Now re-imported and re-registered in the UK
- Only 3 previously registered keepers
- Hard-top & soft-top
The Appeal
Introduced in 1963, the long-awaited successor to the 190SL saw a new emphasis placed on safety and comfort. The removable hardtop was an option to have alongside the soft-top and its distinctive roofline featured an extensive glassy greenhouse with raised sides and a lower centre panel reminiscent of a Japanese pagoda, hence the popular “Pagoda” nickname for the model.
The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL on offer is a solid example with a lovely history and is finished in an eye-catching and highly sought after colour combination of nautical blue with tanned leather interior and matching hard-top.
The History and Paperwork
- Manufactured 1965
- In 2003 the car underwent a comprehensive restoration in the UK
- A few years later the car was driven to Alicante, Spain
- After two decades in Spain, the car was driven back to the UK in January 2023
- Extensive history file including hundreds of restoration photos and invoices
- Current recorded mileage displayed is 23,007
- UK V5 with 2 previously registered keepers recorded
- Very recent invoices from marque specialist Colin Ferns totaling almost £5,000
The Condition
- During the car's restoration most of the interior appears to have been restored
- Beautifully presented with plenty of period features intact
- Expected age-related wear commensurate to the overall condition of the car
- Dashboard is clean and well-kept with all instruments correct and present
- The rev counter is reported to work intermittently
- Looking under the carpets and in the boot it is clear that the car is very solid
- Boot is clean and well-presented with a spare wheel
- Midnight blue paintwork with matching hardtop
- Good straight bodywork
- Quite remarkably most of the glass appears to be original to the car
- Re-trimmed soft-top
- Brightwork showing signs of age / pitting
As can be seen through the numerous photos included in the gallery, the interior of this true driver’s car is very fitting for a 1965 classic, well loved but well used. Everything looks to be present and correct and the Kenwood radio replacement is but a useable upgrade showing that this car has been loved and enjoyed by its recent long-term owner.
Even at first glance, it is clear that this beautiful Pagoda has enjoyed a very dry climate over the last two decades. The wheel arches are crisp, clean and the underside commensurate to the rest of the car.
Even at first glance, it is clear that this beautiful Pagoda has enjoyed a very dry climate over the last two decades. The wheel arches are crisp, clean and the underside commensurate to the rest of the car.
With some the expected patina and signs of wear from an older restoration, the overall appearance of this car carries great character and remains in fine fettle for its age. This is not a trailer queen however a very useable and patina'd driver’s car. The hard-top appears to have some light blistering and may need a partial repaint, however, the more practical soft-top has at some point been re-trimmed and latches and stows correctly. There are some minor chips, cracks and ripples in the paintwork and the brightwork has faded in some places, all as shown in the gallery as well as a small dent in the boot lid that was hard to photograph, however the vendor would like us to make note of.
The tires will need replacing soon but the wheels appear to be in good order, and the correct matching hubcaps do look the part!
The Mechanics
- Driven 1,000km on it's journey back from Spain to the UK in January 2023
- Almost £5,000 has just been spent at marque specialist Colin Ferns since
- Car has recently failed its MOT (included in the gallery)
- Will require recommissioning before being used on the road
- A good summer project for someone
- Rarer and exciting manual gearbox
- Uprated with a 280SL engine
Over two decades ago this lovely Pagoda was driven to Alicante, Spain where it enjoyed regular yet sparing use by its custodian. In early 2023 the car was driven 1,000 km across Spain on it's way home to the UK.
Since then, the car has had almost £5,000 spent at marque specialist Colin Ferns but still requires further fettling as highlighted by it's recent MOT failure.
Now ready for the next chapter of its life, this project car is a fine candidate for a quick mechanical overhaul or possibly even a full restoration depending on what the buyer it looking for.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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