Highlights

UK market RHD
Just four former registered keepers
Incredibly original inside and out
Offered in highly usable order, proving highly reliable throughout present ownership
Substantial history file spanning fifty years
Recent new clutch, fitted in 2024

The Appeal

It seems every project Paul Bracq was involved in became an instant design classic, but perhaps none more so that the W113 SL. The key to its success? The Pagoda is elegant from every angle without being remotely garish. Its beauty lies in its engineering and uncluttered lines. Car designers of today, take note.

This 1964 230 SL is one of the best original examples we've seen. It's an early UK market car, with a refreshingly basic specification, finished in an unpretentious shade of off-white, complemented by a gloss black finish to its removable hard top.

If you're looking for a highly usable example of this oh-so-desirable classic roadster, this is the one to buy. It's rare to find original Pagodas that haven't been heavily restored, especially UK market right-hand drive examples such as this one which has had just five former keepers since new in 1964! The vendor assure us that it drives really well, and always starts, no matter what the conditions are.

The History and Paperwork

Early UK market RHD car with five registered keepers in total
98,679 miles indicated
The vendor purchased the car in November 2023
Kept in a dry garage at all times
Exempt from road tax and MOT
UK V5C present
The vendor says the car comes with a large service file, spanning fifty years

The Condition

Complete with soft top and matching 'Pagoda' hard top; both in very good condition
Exceedingly straight and solid-looking bodywork, with well-fitting doors down both sides
The brightwork presents superbly, with no notable pitting apparent
Retains the correct steel wheels (including full-size spare) and chrome hubcaps with body-colour centres
The underside appears solid and presentable, protected by a layer of black underseal
The interior looks to be in very good condition, with minimal wear apparent to the upholstery, woodwork and controls
Very presentable black carpets with minimal wear visible
Correct ribbed rubber matting in the boot
Tool roll present

Mercedes' entire SL lineage is, of course, blessed with weather equipment for all occasions. The W113 is no exception, as it can be easily transformed from elegant coupé to versatile soft top for when the sunshine makes an appearance. As the photographs show, this 230 SL looks in very smart condition for its age, with light patina in places highlighting its high level of originality. it's been garage-stored throughout the vendor's tenure and certainly appears very well-preserved for its age.

The Mechanics

2.3-litre straight-six with mechanical fuel injection
Four-speed manual gearbox
Disc brakes front, drum brakes rear
Original-looking and very honest engine bay
The distributor and coil appear to be relatively new items
New clutch installed in 2024
The vendor notes that the engine starts immediately, even in very cold conditions

The vendor emphasises just how well this SL drives. So many Pagoda's are so heavily restored that they only venture out to visit Concours events, and that's a shame, as these well-engineered roadsters drive very well and prove reliable if regularly exercised. We're informed that this car comes with a great deal of service history and the engine always starts, no matter the weather. As an 'Historic' vehicle, there's no MOT to pass, so this SL is ready to go.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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