Pre-bids

1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL 'Pagoda'

Vendor supplied images

Highlights

  • Imported from the dry state of Texas
  • Brand new full body respray in factory colour code 140H Light Grey
  • New OEM custom-made soft top
  • Mostly original interior with navy blue leather and carpet
  • New OEM chrome beauty rings, wing mirror, and boot seal

The Appeal

The 'Pagoda' was in many ways the perfect blueprint for Mercedes-Benz' future as one of the most respected manufacturers in the industry. Beautifully styled, the Pagoda was also an impeccable handler and offered top-notch safety compared to much of the competition - all in a package that felt luxurious and comfortable. Every car Mercedes-Benz produced afterwards followed in its footsteps.

This fine example, built in 1965, was originally based in the dry state of Texas, where its chassis has survived impressively. Since arriving on British soil in 2022, it's seen a comprehensive respray in its original factory finish of Light Grey - along with a swathe of OEM parts to keep it at its best. 

We always love seeing a Pagoda at C&C, but this example is truly something special - and we're sure will garner plenty of well-deserved interest. Most of the car's components may have never been subject to replacement and, as a result, it's carrying a rare, fine mark of originality.

History and Paperwork

  • Registered in 1965
  • In current ownership for approximately 2 years
  • Imported from the dry state of Texas
  • First registered in the UK in 2023, according to the DVLA
  • Car has mostly been in storage with minimal mileage since recent work
  • Car is highly original and has no known history of restoration
  • The vendor is reluctantly selling due to loss of storage
  • Viewing/inspection in person more than welcome
  • Currently indicates 55,733 miles on a five-figure odometer
  • While this isn't confirmed, the car's condition does seem to support it
  • MOT exempt

The Condition

  • Very straight body with no pinching of panels
  • Brand new full body respray, including engine bay and door shuts, in factory colour code 140H Light Grey
  • This is in a factory-correct piano finish, unlike most contemporary resprays with period-incorrect orange peel
  • A Mercedes-Benz-approved bodyshop carried this out, and it looks in fine order
  • Recent exterior parts include:
    • New OEM chrome beauty rings (wheel trim)
    • Brand new OEM custom-made soft top
    • New OEM wing mirrors
    • New OEM boot seal
    • New rear bumper chrome
  • Brightwork is, as a result, mostly in very good order with a pleasant lustre 
  • Wheels look in fine order, as do the tyres
  • Underside looks in good order, and is available for any prospective buyer to inspect 
  • Internally, the car is mostly original and largely in very good condition
  • Navy blue leather is very original and in good order
  • Dashboard is in good overall order with light signs of wear
  • Carpets and headlining look clean for their age
  • New OEM under dash panels supplied with the car
  • Gear selector does not appear to be factory original

The Mechanics

  • 2,308cc M127.II I6 powerplant
  • 4-speed automatic transmission
  • In 2022 the car was treated to:
    • New fuel pump hose
    • New fuel return line 
    • New spark plugs
    • Cleaning of distributor cap and rotor
    • Full oil service
    • Fluid change for the gearbox
  • In 2023 the car was subject to:
    • New OEM fuel pump
    • OEM fuel filter
    • Bleeding of the brakes and new fluid
  • The vendor notes that the handbrake may need attention in the near future
  • Engine bay looks in fine order
  • Car has mostly been in storage with minimal mileage since recent work
  • As a result it may benefit from a tuneup before hitting the road
  • We understand the car to be in fine health
  • We've no reports of any mechanical issues
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 
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Auction Details

  • Year1965
  • MakeMercedes
  • ModelSL Class
  • ColourGrey
  • Odometer55,733 Miles
  • Engine size2308cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyBuckinghamshire
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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