1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL 'Pagoda' with hardtop Chassis no. 11304210015828 • Highly original example • 4-speed manual gearbox • Only three owners from new • Third jump seat in the back, power steering, air conditioning and hardtop • Excellent documentation and provenance * Please note that this car will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Belgium. Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in March of 1963, the 230SL- or W113 in Mercedes-Benz 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 favour of a 2.3-litre 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 190km/h. This well-preserved 230 SL 'Pagoda' was built late in 1966 and delivered new to Jacksonville, Florida where it was registered in the beginning of 1967. It is a desirable 4-speed manual transmission example in the first series of the model, making it perhaps the 'purest' of all the 'Pagodas'. Resprayed a long time ago, the car remains in its original colour combination with a beautiful 'Cognac' interior. It comes with a hardtop and hubcaps and has a newly fitted dark blue soft-top hood. The car's provenance is impressive. It comes with a copy of its original purchase invoice and was sold new to the Cornely family, in whose possession it remained for 16 years. It was then sold to Donald Peterson in 1982, Mr. Peterson being the well-known owner of a vast collection of classic cars, a highly respected appraiser of classics across many marques, the founding editor of 'Car Collector Magazine', and a car show judge with experience gained at countless events, including Pebble Beach and Amelia Island – to name but two. Highly original throughout, the car's front wings have the right spotwelds and notches next to the headlights, the hardtop and even the factory-fitted Frigiking air-con. The car's Data Card mentions the following options: 493 heavy duty heat-exchanger; 508 left outside rearview mirror; 524 paint-coat preservation; 600 hardtop chrome trim. New items include the exhaust system and the fabric hood. Inside, the MB-Tex upholstery is also original, having been refurbished rather than replaced. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing