1965 MERCEDES BENZ 230SL RIGHT HAND DRIVE LUX CLASSICS FULL RESTORATION
DATE OF MANUFACTURE: 1965 | COLOUR: WHITE | INTERIOR TRIM: BLACK LEATHER
LUX CLASSICS ARE DELIGHTED TO OFFER THIS FULL LUX CLASSICS RESTORED RIGHT HAND DRIVE MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL PAGODA W113, A TRUE DRIVER'S CAR BENEFITING FROM POWER STEERING & FOUR SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION. CURRENTLY UNDER FINAL STAGES OF COMPLETION & COME TRIED & TESTED WITH ANY POST RESTORATION ADJUSTMENTS COMPLETED.
THE APPEAL
With its timeless appeal, the W113 Pagoda is the definitive collectible Mercedes-Benz – a handsomely proportioned car, technically ahead of its time and incredibly well-engineered. Costing nearly twice as much as an E-Type when new, its elegance, reliability and sporting prowess became an instant attraction for the rich and famous – notable past owners include John Lennon, Sophia Loren, Charlton Heston and Sir Stirling Moss.
THIS VEHICLE
Original UK delivered 230 SL in its current specification with the only detraction to originality during the restoration was upgrade to power steering using genuine parts & electronic ignition.
With its free-revving 2,300cc five main bearing engine producing excellent torque, this is a true driver’s car. With a precise gear shift and power assisted steering, it’s very responsive, offering a much sharper driving experience than the more leisurely automatic 280SL. A delight to drive, and in our opinion the best way to own a Pagoda.
The four-speed manual transmission is a delight to use and would be well suited to taking this Pagoda on European rallies, and the soft clutch makes for an equally appealing classic for town driving.
Full Lux Classics restoration recently under completion which included the following works:
• Full remanufacture of entire bodyshell - floors, sills, rear end & bulkhead with factory spot welds.
• Repaint in Glasurit period correct Mercedes White 050 in basecoat & clear.
• Full Engine strip & rebuild, vapour Blasting aluminium & yellow zinc passivate.
• Transmission, front & rear axles strip down & rebuild.
• Exterior & interior chromework replated.
• Engine bay detail as original.
• Interior leather retrim from its original vinyl in original colour.
• Black square weave carpets.
• Refurbished soft top frame & new original German Sonneland fabric in black.
• Stainless steel Exhaust for longevity.
• New Tyres, refurbished wheels, chrome trims & hub caps.
Its eye-catching road presence and appealing period aura is complimented by its period correct white (off white) colour scheme.
Comes with full restoration history file, period service invoices & documents & full photographic restoration. Original hardtop present which we can fully restore within this price.
Currently under final stages of preparation for sale. It will come well sorted and ready for the next owner to enjoy.
WARRANTY & FINANCE AVAILABLE
MODEL HISTORY & PRODUCTION
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 for the 230SL / 250SL 170 HP (SAE) at 5,600 rpm & 280SL 195 HP at 6,500 rpm with mechanical multi-port fuel injection produced a very smooth power delivery. Paired with the standard four-speed manual transmission, the W113 SL’s also offered an optional extra four-speed automatic transmission too & 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 - 1971.
