Expected January 25. Although the word 'pagoda' brings to mind faraway exotic places, the W113 series from Mercedes received its legendary nickname after designer Paul Bracq designed the characteristic hardtop for this model in a boring German industrial building. The aim is good visibility and sufficient headroom for driver and passenger. The roof buckled in the middle, like a pagoda roof, as a result of the enlarged main space and therefore served as its namesake. Remarkable, after all, it was a car type that was explicitly marketed as a roadster. In fact, the W113 series was supposed to replace the 190SL. The 190SL was an 'affordable' successor to the legendary 300SL, which, for example, served as an inspiration for a recurring style element in the form of the identical headlights. In terms of driving characteristics, the 113 series was in any case a big leap forward for Mercedes. Auto journalists at the time described the handling as if the car was driving on rails. Serious attention was also paid to the safety aspect for the first time. In '64, the new SL was the first sports car worldwide with a rigid passenger compartment, while the trunk and engine compartment served as a crumple zone. To reduce the vehicle weight, door panels, hood and trunk lid were made of aluminum. Although the type designation stands for Sport and Leicht, despite the use of lighter materials, the SL became more of a touring car than a real sports car. The 230SL is seen by enthusiasts as the most beautiful version of the W113 series, the original design is often also the strongest. For example, there are details such as the mirror, door panels, and hubcaps that give the car a more classic look than later versions. For the same reason, the Jaguar E-type first series is also a much more appreciated car than a second or third series. The example offered here is a 230SL from the last year of construction. Buyers often decide to buy a 280SL because of the automatic gearbox and power steering that the 230 often does not have. This special SL is a car originally delivered in Switzerland with both automatic and power steering options. An additional advantage is the European origin. The often offered copies from the US have a different, shorter final drive in the differential, which means that the engine simply makes 500 (noisy) revolutions more at 100 km/h. Moreover, the European headlights and indicators are considerably nicer than those on the US spec cars. This particularly beautiful example was restored in 2015 for cosmetic reasons and was not taken apart due to rust or damage. The paint and chrome are new, the upholstery has been renewed as it should be with the right materials and it has a new convertible roof. The technology was taken care of and renewed or overhauled where necessary. The car color Graphite Gray is the original color as the color picture indicates. Furthermore, numerous details such as the shiny real wood on the dashboard, the original floor covering, no plastic but chrome fuel cap, etc. etc. are beautiful and in new condition. Of course the car drives as it did originally. Smooth and comfortable shifting, perfect engine running and oil pressure, tight steering. The original hardtop (from which the Pagode gets its nickname) is present with the car. The spare wheel was removed for the photos and is of course also included. We deliver this 230SL ready to drive, including classic dark blue license plate, warranty and maintenance. The right car for those who want to enjoy what a classic SL from 1966 has to offer without compromise.