1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
Design by Paul Bracq
Chassis no. 113042.12.006037
Engine no. 127981.12.000946
2,308cc SOHC Inline 6-cylinder
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
150bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Matching-numbers example beautifully restored in as-delivered Silver Grey Metallic
*High-quality Mercedes-Benz of the pure 230SL in the Pagoda model-range
*Offered with copy of Mercedes-Benz factory records and service records dating back to the 1970s
*Timeless and iconic Paul Bracq design


THE MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL

Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 1963, the 230SL - or W113 in Mercedes-Benz factory language - was a very different sort of sporting car then its fire-breathing predecessors. Intended as the replacement for the 190SL, the 230SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favor of a 2.3-liter fuel-injected six-cylinder SOHC engine, producing 150bhp. The new engine was derived from that of the great 220SE. The Paul Bracq-penned body was an all-new, stylish design which became an instant classic. Beneath the skin the running gear was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (by swing axles at the rear), disc front/drum rear brakes, and the choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed was in excess of 120mph.

The great 230SL managed an impressive debut with a competition victory, as noted by Sporting Motorist: 'Performances of the Mercedes-Benz range in the competition field are legendary, and we think particularly of participation in the most rugged of rallies where the cars have proved their strength and stamina beyond doubt. Soon after the 230SL was announced, Eugen Bohringer drove one to victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, and although competition outings are rare, this was the sort of debut one would expect from the Stuttgart factory.' Christened 'pagoda top' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the most-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This elegant 'Pagoda' 230SL was manufactured at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz factory during the Summer of 1964 and completed for delivery on September 17th, 1964. The new SL was finished in 180 Silver Grey Metallic - just as seen on the car today - with the interior being trimmed in 118 Natural Light, containing a 4-speed automatic transmission and left-hand drive steering arrangement. These details are verified by a copy of the original Mercedes-Benz production record (Data Karte) on file, which further documents that this 230SL retains its original, matching-numbers engine to this day. The 230SL is believed to have been delivered new to the sports car hungry US market and is documented as having resided in the mild California climate by the early 1970s. The Pagoda was acquired by the most recent owner in 1989, a former professional Mercedes-Benz mechanic, who would carry out a comprehensive restoration of the classic and desirable 230SL. The bodywork was beautifully finished in the original, as-delivered Silver Grey Metallic, while the interior was trimmed in neatly contrasting red, matched by a black 'Sonnendeck' convertible top. Today the Mercedes-Benz 230SL continues to shine, with impressively restored and detailed engine compartment, chassis and bodywork. Inside, the red upholstery presents equally well, with neatly contrasting ivory-colored steering wheel and gear knob in place. Color coded hubcaps are fitted, and the SL runs on thin-line white wall tires, as is correct for the era. The cleanly restored trunk features a matching spare. The 230SL if offered with the aforementioned copy of the original Mercedes-Benz production record, as well as service records dating back to 1972.

This handsome 230SL from the first and purest iteration of the now-legendary Pagoda model-run, retaining its original matching-numbers engine and painted the as-delivered Silver Grey Metallic, would make a great addition to any collection, and is ready for spirited drives or concours displays. With their clean and timeless Paul Bracq design, advanced mechanical specification featuring the venerable fuel injected SOHC six-cylinder engine, and incredibly high Mercedes-Benz build quality, these cars are excellent collector cars to own and enjoy.
Footnotes:
Please note this car is titled as model year 1965.

Note about Buyer's Premium for this lot:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.