DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1965 | COLOUR: TUNIS BEIGE METALLIC (CODE 462) | INTERIOR TRIM: BLACK LEATHER | PRICE: £99,750
WITH AN EXCEPTIONAL HISTORY FROM NEW, LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS 1965 MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL RIGHT HAND DRIVE, AUTOMATIC, ORIGINAL UK DELIVERY PAGODA, WITH A LOW NUMBER OF OWNERS AND MILEAGE PRICED TO SELL.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Exceptional history file
• Matching numbers
• Original data card (not a photocopy)
• Matching Tunis Beige Code 462 hard top and Black Mohair soft top
• Engine, Automatic Transmission rebuilds & mechanical upgrades by Lux Classics totaling £27,000 in the last year.
• Modern Becker Mexico Navigation manufactured to replicate a period look and feel
• Power steering & Automatic Transmission
• Dealer code 537 indicating a Great Britain Delivery
First registered on the 14th October 1965 with original UK delivery, this Pagoda is presented in its original factory delivered colour of Tunis Beige paintwork, with matching hard top and complimented by Black leather seats, Black carpets and Black mohair soft top.
Known and sold by us previously, as such always a delight to see cars that have been well documented and cared for.
The extensive history file indicates a low number of documented owners, and the current odometer reading of 88,801 miles is substantiated by the fastidious collection of all MOTs since new.
With solid bodywork and sound mechanics providing for a reliable classic to UK specification, this vehicle comes highly recommended. With its natural patina and healthy dose of period nostalgia it will be a pleasure to own.
HISTORY & PAPERWORK
The service history is extensive, with every MOT since new and records of known owners, with copies of Main Agent Service invoices which are a treat to find. The data card is the original factory-printed card not a photocopy. Other items in the substantial history file include:
• Maintenance records and invoices for previous body and paint work
• Original service books
• Original handbook, tyre installation instructions and spare parts book
• Mercedes-Benz European map and original marketing brochure
• Historic tax discs
• Interesting historical ephemera including a nostalgic motor fuel ration book
INTERIOR
The interior trimwork in black provides for a lovely visual contrast to its exterior colour. Whilst the dash and side panels appear to be original, the seats have been trimmed in leather with the addition of headrests. Carpets have been trimmed in a lovely soft superior wool finish, as opposed to its original square weave which is harsh to the touch. It presents very well throughout with a lovely patina to the leather, wooden trim, colour-coded dash and switchgear. The Black mohair folding soft top is additionally in fine condition and stows away neatly behind the cabin.
It is now fitted with a £3,000 Becker Mexico Navigation system which was manufactured specifically for the Pagoda and other Mercedes of the 1960s, to replicate a period look and feel, but with modern internals including navigation, Bluetooth, iPod and telephone connections.
EXTERIOR
In 2011 substantial bodywork renovation was undertaken, including replacement and or repairs. All work was done to very good standard and has held up well. Repainting was then carried out as required. Commissioned by a well-known Mercedes-Benz Club member, all these works are documented with invoices totalling over £15,000 in period, together with a CD of images in the history file. It still remains a very solid example of this timeless German roadster with a characterful visual appeal.
PAINTWORK
The Tunis Beige metallic factory original paintwork as detailed in the data card code 462 for both the bodywork and hard top as noted above has held up well, and matches the original factory painted dash. While there were several shades of Gold, this is the most popular lightest option and provides for a period look and feel so right for a Pagoda. Although hard to photograph, its beauty is best appreciated in person.
MECHANICS
Having last year had a full engine and automatic transmission rebuild carried out by us here at Lux Classics, this Pagoda is well sorted mechanically. A full breakdown of all works carried out is available to view.
It is a delight to drive with power steering and its free revving 2,300cc five main bearing engine producing excellent torque. It will come tried and tested, with a full service.
MERCEDES-BENZ W113 MODEL HISTORY
The 230SL (W113) was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963 as a replacement for its predecessors, the 190SL and 300SL. The 230SL was updated in November 1966 to the 250SL and in November 1967 to the last production series as a 280SL.
With its inwardly facing roof curvature and many analogies with Far Eastern Temples, these models soon became better known as the ‘Pagoda’. They were however relatively easy to get in and out of due the tall nature of the roof. The W113’s clean, elegant straight lines typify the work of its lead designer - the legendary Paul Bracq. It had virtually nothing in common with its predecessors, with only the chassis based on that of the 220SE (W111) saloon modified to offer a sportier feel. It was available as a convertible with a hard top and soft folding roof.
The bonnet was styled with a slight bulge to accommodate the straight six cylinder engine, again developed from that in the saloon. Developing 148 hp for the 230SL and 168 hp for the 280SL with mechanical multi-port fuel injection it produced a very smooth power delivery. It was offered with standard four-speed manual, or an optional extra four-speed automatic transmission too, and later with the ZF five-speed manual transmission.
With recirculating ball steering, a dual-circuit brake system, gas-filled shock absorbers and radial ply tyres, it offered a sporty feeling with exceptional handling due to its taut chassis, but also a very compliant ride too. The Pagoda was the first ever sports car to come with a ‘safety body’. It had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure.
The Pagoda proved to be a sound foundation for all subsequent SLs: An exceptional blend of good performance with the highest levels of comfort, with some 48,912 built between 1963 and 1971.
ARRANGE A VIEWING
It is available for viewing in the UK on an appointment basis, and would suit an enthusiast or collector with whom this vehicle will represent a good acquisition opportunity.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
Lux Classics make every effort to ensure that the information contained on the website ("the Information") is accurate and complete. However, errors and omissions may occur from time to time and we are not able to guarantee the accuracy of the Information. Therefore, we cannot be held liable for any reliance which you place on the information. Lux Classics does not give any warranties in respect of the website or the Information or the goods and services available via the website and makes no representations as the fitness for a particular purpose of any goods or services available via the website.
