Huge history file with lots of invoices and photos of the restoration
Driven 1,000 km across Spain in January 2023 by the previous owner
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
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
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.
The Exterior
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
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 more recently 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!
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.
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.
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