Highlights

The rarest W113 Pagoda variant with less than 20 believed built
Highly collectable factory 5-speed manual ZF Gearbox example
Only a handful of these cars are believed to survive in RHD form
Recent service and paintwork refresh
Matching hard top included
New stainless steel exhaust, grille and rear bumper
Last keeper for 30 years
Very tidy and well presented car in white with black interior
Voluntary MOT to February 2026 with no advisories
Great touring car in equally good order

The Appeal

A 5spd manual gearbox Pagoda? If you’re not closely acquainted with the life history of Mercedes-Benz’ evocative sports car, then the fact that they built around 20 230SLs in RHD with a quintet of ZF manual gears may be a surprise.

This, then, is the rarest variant of one of classic motoring's most perennially popular classics. The 5spd gearbox was only offered for two short years from May 1966. Less than 900 of all models were built, of which most were 250 and 280SL cars. Just 130 5spd 230SLs re believed to have been built, with most of those destined for Italy as LHD models. Various sources indicate only 20 were built in RHD and of those only six are known to the models technical registry.

Naturally, the RHD 230SL 5spd is considered the ‘Holy Grail’ of W113. Beyond their collectability, there is good reason to want one. The Pagoda makes a great classic touring and events car, where the long-legged 5spd box comes firmly into its own.

This car has that rare-as-hens-teeth factory-fitted gearbox. Added to the compelling mix is the white-on-black colour scheme, great condition and RHD configuration. The car was first registered in the UK in 1967 and has had just six keepers since, several of them for many years. It is factory standard, right down to the Blaupunkt stereo, VDO gauges, steel wheels and those lovely wood veneers trimming the cabin.

The last keeper retained the car for 30 years. The current one acquired it earlier this year and is selling due to a change of circumstances. In the short time he has owned it he has invested heavily in the car. Work has included a paintwork refresh and service. There is a new stainless steel exhaust, replacement chrome front grille and a new rear bumper.

The car is naturally MOT exempt, but buyers will be pleased to see it carries a voluntary test until February 2026 with no advisories. We agree with the MOT tester - this is an impressive car and a historically significant one too.

Such is the extreme rarity of the 230SL RHD 5spd that opportunities to buy one come along once in a blue moon. Don't miss this one.

History and Paperwork

First registered in the UK in March 1967
Six registered UK keepers
Previous keeper for 35 years
V5C in the current keeper’s name
Old advert featuring the car as shown
We understand that this is a genuine 5spd factory car
MOT to 28th February 2026 with no advisories
82,302 miles on last MOT test and now showing 82,376 miles
Matching hard top included
Only 882 W113 cars were built in all models with factory 5spd gearbox
Of these cars the vast majority were 250SL and 280SL models in LHD
Sources indicate 130 230SL 5spd cars were built in LHD and RHD
Most of these cars went to Italy in LHD configuration
Sources quote 20 230SLs believed built in RHD
Of these only six are known to the model's technical registry

The Condition

Recently refreshed white paintwork in very good condition for age and mileage of car
Paintwork shows few obvious signs of use aside from some minor stone chips to front
Bodywork is in great order with straight, flush panels and solids A and B posts
Arches, sills and underside present well with evidence of restoration to the latter
Underside protected with black stone guard sill paint and undersealing
No structural advisories on current MOT
Factory standard car with steel wheels fitted with body colour chrome hub caps
Mix of Goodyear and Pirelli branded tyres with no reported sidewall or tread issues
Chromework is very good across car including bumpers, trim and badging
Rear bumper and front grille recently replaced
Comes with a matching hard top
No obvious signs of tarnish to those fitting, as can be checked in photos
Lights in good condition with clear lenses and glass and no obvious cracks
Black folding soft top in good order with even, deep colour and clear screen
Well-kept black MB Tex vinyl interior is unmodified and in very good order
The signs of age to the interior are minor and include chips around dash fittings
Dashboard fittings, chromework, paintwork and veneers in very good order
No obvious cracks or damage to veneers or dash top
Door cards in black to match carpets and trim with well-kept chrome furniture
Black carpets through cabin and boot in good order with no obvious tears
Cream sun visors show light wear but nothing unsightly
Black factory steering wheel in good order with no obvious cracks
Supplied with steel spare wheel with cover as shown
Seats in good order with little wear typical of hard-wearing factory materials
Fitted with original Blaupunkt radio as shown
No reported faults with electrics, lighting, switchgear or dials
A matching hard top is included

The Mechanics

2,308cc M127 straight six engine
Very rare 5spd manual gearbox
Recently serviced prior to sale
New stainless steel exhaust system
No reported running or driving faults
No advisories on MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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