Lot 234 - 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda

• Partially restored to a very high standard
• Desirable UK right hand drive example
• Early ‘drop floor’ example
• Four previous keepers in the logbook

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”. Early or pre-September 1964 cars had a vertically mounted spare wheel that recessed into the spare wheel well on the left hand side of the boot. After September 1964 Mercedes-Benz did away with the wheel well, instead lying the spare wheel horizontally, compromising boot space commonly known as thus early cars known as ‘Drop floor cars’ which are desirable especially for those touring and wanting the extra space.

Sold at auction to Pagoda restoration specialists in March 2020 by Historics, this early ‘drop floor’ or vertically mounted rear wheel well, UK supplied right hand drive matching engine and chassis car has had an interesting last 18 months. The result of a bad debt, it was repossessed by the bank (Santander) before being offered by Historics having been stripped and readied for restoration with some £10,000 having been spent in preparation. Our vendor, a specialist in Pagoda restorations, saw the potential in EYY 323B and set about a full nut and bolt restoration with circa £30,000 spent on the body alone which included sand blasting, four new lower corners, floor and boot plan before beautiful paint was applied. Presented in Ivroy White with Midnight Blue leather trim the engine turns freely but has not yet been tackled. The new shocks and suspension components are ready for fitting and supplied with the car as are, we believe, all items that should be required to complete the project.

The UK V5C registration document reveals four previous owners and importantly, that it was registered in the UK from new, making this a factory right hand drive example which is particularly desirable; especially with the mileage which is believed to be correct.  Finished UK supplied Pagodas, can sell for as much as £180,000 plus! The finish so far is extremely good and the project is certainly on its way to completion; remarkably being offered without reserve.

Please note that the information provided is all we currently have and therefore we strongly recommend viewing of the car and its parts on one of our four viewing days.   We are sure you will not be disappointed.

Guide price £55,000 - £65,000

Interested parties should note that the V5 for this car which was last issued in 2016 has been misplaced and therefore a replacement will need to be applied for with the DVLA by the new owner.

EYY 323B list of accompanying parts

Various Rubber Bushes for suspension

2 x Tie rod bars

2 x front Shock absorbers

2 x rear Shock absorbers

Steering rod bars

Anti-rollbar and Rear support rod

2 x Propshafts, and bolts and mounts

Brake Servo and Master cylinder

4 x Brake hoses

2 x Handbrake cables

Handbrake lever

Brake pipes and clamps/clips

Bulkhead firewall

3 x under Dash panels

Spare leather from interior

Boot side cards

2 x Manifolds

Air intake manifold

Fuel pump

Accelerator linkage

Boot area fuel vent and pipes

Windscreen washer bottle

Expansion tank and water pipe

Radiator

2 x Horns

Battery tray

2 x number plate lights

Bonnet Catch and cable

Coil and various wiring/pipes/cables

Please note whilst a majority of the parts listed above are new/prepared ready to be fitted onto the vehicle, no responsibility is taken for condition of any parts supplied with this vehicle.