Lot 242 - 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda
| Lot Number | 242 |
| Registration | EYY 323B |
| Chassis Number | 11304222003417 |
| Engine Number | 12796122000470 |
| Odometer reading | 50,380 miles |
| Result | Sold - £76,160 |
- Recently completed restoration
- 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 thus early cars were known as ‘drop floor cars’ which are desirable especially for those touring and wanting the extra space.
Sold at auction by Historics to Pagoda restoration specialists in March 2020, 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 24 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 spent in preparation. A specialist in Pagoda restorations, saw the potential in EYY 323B and set about a full restoration with circa £30,000 spent on the body alone which included sandblasting, four new lower corners, floor and boot plan before beautiful paint was applied. Due to health issues of the owner, the car was sold by Historics, partially restored, earlier in 2021 before being purchased and completed thus now offered as a fully restored example.
Presented in Ivory with Midnight Blue leather trim, the engine has now been recommissioned and the final touches completed with new shocks and suspension components fitted, as such this is a wonderful right hand drive 230 Pagoda. HPI records reveal 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. UK supplied Pagodas are selling well in excess of this attractive estimate, so we believe this represents fantastic value in such condition.
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.