1966 Mercedes-Benz W113 230SL ‘Pagoda’

Highlights

Top-class in-depth restoration
A particularly desirable 230SL equipped with the rare 4-speed manual gearbox
Correct, matching serial numbers and well-documented maintenance history
Stunning colour combination of gunmetal grey and chocolate
A very high standard car, also equipped with the original hardtop
Accompanied by a very positive independent inspection report of July 2023

The Attractions

While the contemporary E-Type impresses with its persuasive curves and long bonnet, the W113 Pagoda is just as iconic while taking a completely different approach. Its simple, charming lines are equally evocative and unmistakable, and have influenced many generations of SLs to this day.

But the understated design hides a secret. These cars are in fact extraordinarily well finished, and the interior in particular is full of delightful details everywhere you look. Moreover, these cars are not only beautiful to look at: they are also very pleasant to drive, proving to be relaxing GTs in contrast to their more driven rivals. It is no surprise, then, that the Pagoda has always been and continues to be one of the most celebrated and admired models from the house of the three-pointed star.

This car is an exceptional example of this iconic model. It is a 1966 230SL whose chassis number confirms that it is one of the rare and sought-after examples with a manual gearbox. It was restored a few years ago to a very high standard, as is evident from the photographs and historical documentation. The restoration work included bodywork, paint, interior and mechanics.

We are told that this example with correct and matching serial numbers has a very well-documented and remarkable maintenance history. A very positive independent inspection report dated July 2023 reaffirms its condition. We have been informed that it has had very few owners since new, so if you want to be next, make sure you don't miss the chance to welcome this stunning Mercedes-Benz into your garage.

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History and Documentation

Cars with correct and matching serial numbers
Chassis number 11304210015595
Chassis prefix 113.042 confirms that this is an original 230SL
Chassis numbers 7 and 8 confirm that this is a left-hand drive, manual transmission example
We have been told it has had only three previous owners
Sold new in France
Currently in Italy
Has German registration papers
The seller informs us that the car is accompanied by a wealth of historical documentation
Completely restored to a high standard a few years ago
Rarely used after restoration, as evident from the photos
Accompanied by photographic documentation of the restoration work
The historical documentation includes numerous invoices, as shown in the photographs
Inspection report from Classic Data dated July 2023
We have been informed that it is ready to drive - with all registration documentation complete and in order
Odometer shows 4,205 km - we are unable to confirm the actual figure

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Conditions

Well preserved and very attractive gunmetal grey paint with matching hard top
High quality restoration as shown in photographs, with few signs of ageing or use
Exterior in excellent condition and true to factory standards with chrome trim in good condition
Original steel wheels with body-coloured wheel covers
High quality whitewall tyres with good tread
Black mohair roof in very good condition, with intense tone and no visible traces of deterioration
Beautiful chocolate brown leather interior with matching door panels and carpet
Very well finished interior, with original Becker Europa radio and wood panelling in very good shape
Complete with its iconic 'Pagoda' hard-top and folding canvas roof, both in excellent condition

The Pagoda's great success must be attributed at least in part to the great charm of its interior. Every inch displays a unique style and conveys a feeling of the highest quality.

The brown upholstery on this example fits the car perfectly, matching the grey exterior colouring to perfection. The seats present themselves beautifully, with no significant signs of wear or visible damage. They have clearly been recently reupholstered with great care.

The carpet and carpets also appear to be in excellent condition, with very few visible signs of wear. All the wood finishes are in excellent shape, as are the chrome details. The switches appear to be in excellent condition, as are the instruments and the vintage Becker Europa radio. In the boot we find a protective rubber mat and a spare wheel complete with cover.

But one cannot talk about the W113 without mentioning its design. Undoubtedly, it is some of Paul Bracq's best work. We can even venture to say that it is one of the best car designs of all time.

In metallic grey this example looks magnificent and has clearly been restored to an exceptional standard. The bodywork is extremely correct, with excellent panel spacing, and the innovative aluminium doors are perfectly aligned. We detected no notable dents or flaws in the paintwork. All badges and trim appear in excellent condition, as do the bumpers, and we noticed no scratches or dullness on the chrome.

In the underbody, everything appears to be in impeccable order. The wheels look good and are fitted with Bridgestone tyres. Both roofs are present and appear to be in excellent condition. The seller demonstrates that the canvas sunroof works flawlessly and folds down properly under a hard cover when the car is used as a roadster.

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The Mechanics

M127 fuel-injected straight-six engine of 2,308 cm³
Rare original 4-speed manual gearbox
Complete mechanical restoration documented in photographs
Well tuned and pleasant to drive
Engine and transmission with correct and matching numbers

The mechanics of this SL were subjected to extensive attention during the restoration and are therefore in excellent working order. Photographs of the disassembled engine are available and we have been informed that it is in excellent shape. The engine presents beautifully and the seller has not reported any defects to us.

We have been informed that it runs well and drives exactly as it should. The manual gearbox makes the driving experience even more engaging and we were told that the gears shift smoothly. The direct steering makes driving on twisty roads a pleasure and the robust straight-six offers plenty of power.

An independent inspection by a specialist in July 2023 reaffirms the originality and faithfulness to factory specifications as well as the excellent mechanical condition.

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BEFORE BUYING

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