Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 208
1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Design by Paul Bracq Chassis no. 113042.10.015934 Engine no. 127981.10.012575
Sold for US$33,600 inc. premium
Lot 208
1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Design by Paul Bracq
1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
Design by Paul Bracq
Chassis no. 113042.10.015934
Engine no. 127981.10.012575
Design by Paul Bracq
Chassis no. 113042.10.015934
Engine no. 127981.10.012575
2,308cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
150bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes
*Desirable Swiss-delivered 230SL Pagoda in beautifully preserved condition
*Fitted with desirable manual-shift transmission and Hard Top
*Timeless Paul Bracq design on a high-quality classic Mercedes-Benz
*Offered with original owners manuals and tools
THE MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL
Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in March of 1963, the 230SL—or W113 in Mercedes-Benz language—was a very different sort of sporting car then its fire-breathing predecessors. Intended as the replacement for the 190SL, the 230SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favor of a 2.3-liter fuel-injected six-cylinder SOHC engine, producing 150bhp. The new engine was derived from that of the great 220SE. The Paul Bracq-penned body was an all-new, stylish design which became an instant classic. Beneath the skin, the running gear was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (by swing axles at the rear), disc front/drum rear brakes, and the choice of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed was in excess of 120mph.
The great 230SL managed an impressive debut with a competition victory, as noted by Sporting Motorist, "Performances of the Mercedes-Benz range in the competition field are legendary, and we think particularly of participation in the most rugged of rallies where the cars have proved their strength and stamina beyond doubt. Soon after the 230SL was announced, Eugen Bohringer drove one to victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, and although competition outings are rare, this was the sort of debut one would expect from the Stuttgart factory." Christened "pagoda top" after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the most-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This elegant Pagoda 230SL was completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz plant during April of 1966. The new Roadster was equipped for the Swiss market, fitted with the desirable 4-speed manual transmission, left-hand drive steering arrangement, KMS speedometer, and European lights and bumpers. According to the original owner's manual on file, the car was delivered new on September 1st, 1966, through Bahnhof-Garage A.G. of Basel, and would remain in Switzerland for several decades in singular ownership. Today this lovely 230SL presents in largely original and unrestored condition, retaining much of its original interior and brightwork, and probably treated to just one light respray years ago. Offered here is a charming example of the first-generation Pagoda.
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