Lot 213 - 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda
| Lot Number | 213 |
| Registration | SAE 5 |
| Chassis Number | 11304220006340 |
| Engine Number | 12798120005592 |
| Odometer reading | 63,374 miles |
| Estimate | £95,000 - £120,000 |
- Fully restored
- Rare right hand drive manual car
- 250 SL engine upgrade
The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971 and were known as the 'pagoda roof' SL. All models boast an inline six cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection. Rear wheel drive configuration was complemented by independent rear suspension, a feature that greatly improved road handling. The 230 SL made a remarkable debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 where the famous German engineer Fritz Nallinger introduced it as follows; "it was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance which, despite its sports characteristics, provides a very high degree of travelling comfort."
First registered on 1st January 1965, this wonderful and very rare right hand drive, manual gearbox 230 SL was first registered ACR 650C. Accompanied by the original green logbook, it shows that in 1974 the personal plate of SAE 5 was put on the car at a cost of £5. The vendor requested the DVLA to reapply the plate when he restored the car, which he acquired in 2018 in need of what can only be described as a ‘total restoration’. The degree of what was needed can be seen in the wonderful photographic book that accompanies the car and shows the condition from purchase through to total restoration. Indeed, so comprehensive was the restoration that it is hard to imagine that the car presented here was the same one seen in 2018. Taking just over two years to complete, it is only for sale due to a lack of storage. The car was restored using only Mercedes parts with one bill showing over £15,000 in parts alone, the whole project being totally without compromise. The interior is all new, as are most of the panels. The car was given a bare metal respray in its original colour of navy blue with cream leather interior and new hood. Even the tyres are new! The only modifications from its factory specification are the upgrade from a 230 SL engine to a freshly rebuilt 250 SL engine to improve the driving experience and the addition of a cold start feature, a common issue with the SL’s. The vendor indeed describes the car as immaculate and a pleasure to drive.
Supplied with UK V5C registration document, original logbook, old MoT and photographic picture book of its restoration. The car also comes supplied with its hardtop roof and includes the SAE 5 number plate. This fantastic example of a Pagoda is not to be missed.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.