Mercedes-Benz SL 230

W113 Pagode

Highlights

• Comprehensively restored around five years ago and prepared to a very high standard
• Equipped with the lesser-seen four-speed manual gearbox
• Matching numbers and well documented service history
• German plates
• LHD

The Appeal

Remaining a strong contender for the most elegant car ever made, it is no surprise that the W113 Mercedes-Benz SL ‘Pagoda’ was the transport of choice for many of the ‘60s jet set. This 1966 230 SL was restored around five years ago and is beautifully presented inside, out and under the bonnet. The 2.3-litre, fuel-injected straight-six has been overhauled and runs really well.

A further interesting feature is the four-speed manual gearbox - something rarely seen in a ‘60s SL which makes the drive a very engaging experience.

The History and Paperwork

• Matching numbers
• Just two previous owners
• Originally supplied to France
• Currently resides in the Germany
• Substantial history file
• Comprehensively restored approximately five years ago
• Accompanied by photographic evidence of the restoration work
• Ready to use - with all registration paperwork complete and in order
• 4,205 kilometres
• Received its first German ABE in October 2023
• German plates

The Interior

• Carefully restored to period correct specification
• Tasteful brown upholstery and carpeting
• Well presented woodwork
• Equipped with a vintage Becker Europa radio
• Hardly any notable signs of use in evidence

At least part of the Pagoda’s success has to be attributed to its beautifully appointed interior. Every inch of it exudes style and feels of the utmost quality. The brown upholstery in this example perfectly suits the car perfectly, proving a great complement to the grey paintwork. The seats present immensely well, with no heavy wear or any damage in sight. These have clearly been recovered recently and to a very good standard. So too, the carpets look great, with barely any wear to be seen. All the woodwork is in nice order, as are the various chromed trims. The switches all look great and so do the instruments and the period Becker Europa radio. In the boot, we find ribbed rubber matting and spare wheel, complete with cover.

The Exterior

• Expertly restored bodywork
• Very smart chromework
• Complete with its ‘Pagoda’ hard-top and folding soft-top roof - both of which are in great condition

To speak of the W113 without mentioning its styling would be remiss of us. It is undoubtedly some of Paul Bracq’s best work. In fact, we venture to say that it is some of the best automotive design of all time.In a metallic grey, this example looks magnificent and it has evidently been restored to a fantastic standard. The bodywork is exceedingly straight, with excellent panel gaps and those innovative aluminium doors fit just as they should. We couldn’t see any dents or notable marks in the paintwork. All the badging and trim looks great and so do the bumpers and we didn’t spot any pitting or dulling to the chrome. Underneath, all seems in impeccable order. The wheels present nicely and wear Bridgestone tyres. Both roofs are present in great condition. The soft-top operates smoothly and tucks neatly under a solid cover when the car is used as a roadster.

The Mechanics

• 2.3-litre, fuel injected inline-six
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Subject to a mechanical overhaul
• Well sorted and driving well
• Matching numbers engine and gearbox

This SL has been subject to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul during the restoration and so is in very fine working order. It comes with photographic evidence of the engine in its disassembled state and we understand that it is in excellent health internally. The engine presents brilliantly under the bonnet and runs smoothly on first start up. The manual gearbox adds a level of further driver engagement to the experience and it selects gears smoothly. Direct rack and pinion steering makes cornering a ple