Description
History:
At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, Mercedes Benz presented a completely new design language for convertible bodywork drawn by Béla Barényi. The new Mercedes Benz was given the architectural nickname "Pagoda", which it still bears today, because of the additional inwardly curved hardtop that was available.
The Pagoda's task was not only to replace the somewhat underpowered 190SL, but also the epoch-making 300SL. The revised 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2. 3 litres and around 150 hp delivered outstanding performance for the time. Even a Ferrari had to admit defeat on the Nürburgring, as the extremely well-balanced chassis and excellent brakes offered a technical advantage. In addition, the 230 SL was the first convertible from Mercedes Benz to introduce extensive safety measures. As elegant and inconspicuous as it was, the Pagoda joined the automotive summit meeting with the Jaguar E-Type, Porsche 911S, Ferrari 308 and Chevrolet Corvette C3.
This example is a Swiss first delivery and was owned for over two decades by the most famous Swiss motoring journalist at the time. Following a bet, he drove his Pagoda in the legendary China Rally from Beijing to Shanghai. He then had the car extensively restored in Switzerland and 5 years later handed it over to Goodtimer after moving away from Switzerland.
Bodywork and paintwork:
The restoration from 2013 shows its true quality today. The entire body as well as the paintwork are undamaged and have a very beautiful and authentic lustre. The gaps, typical of Mercedes Benz, are excellent. The trim bars have very few dents, which can be corrected. The missing trim piece on the left wing will be corrected.
Interior:
The genuine leather interior, which was renewed in 2013/ 14, was fitted in the original Blue 979 and covered with the equally original Graphite Grey 6117 carpet landscape. Even the door panelling was renewed and all applications restored. Only the lid to the ashtray was missing, a detail that will be fitted in the Goodtimer restoration workshop.
Engine and mechanics:
The engine and exhaust emission values are excellent. Both the compression and the pollutant emissions are within the target range and the engine revs silky smooth.
Chassis:
Chassis and brakes were overhauled during the last veteran's inspection and are in perfect working order.
The chassis and underbody were completely ice-blasted in 2013, rust removed and the entire structure preserved to a high standard. The work is documented with countless photographs.
Driving experience:
The Pagoda is both cosy and sporty to drive. The easy-to-change gearbox can be left in fourth gear even at city speeds. If you like it sporty, you can feel how powerfully the crankshaft unfolds from 4000 rpm with a throaty sound.
The Pagoda is a car for the driver, for the front passenger and even for the third authorised passenger on the rear bench.
Recommendation:
Apart from a few unkempt and therefore rust-prone examples, the Mercedes Benz Pagoda is a rewarding classic. This cabriolet can be driven or simply looked at. A well-maintained example is even forgiving of longer downtimes. And you can enjoy it with a hardtop, softtop or open top. This example impresses with its unique combination of Swiss first delivery, prominent previous ownership, an exclusive travel history and a beautifully executed restoration 11 years ago. In its condition 2, the 230SL presents itself honestly, authentically restored, but not over-restored.
