1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible with Hardtop

Registration no. AVG 739D Chassis no. 11304222016640

Footnotes

A convertible-with-hardtop model, this car is a right-hand drive example of the 230 SL, a landmark car that founded a sports car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for Mercedes-Benz. Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for the 190 SL, the 230 SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favour of a 2.3-litre fuel-injected six derived from that of the 220 SE and producing 150bhp. An instant classic, the body design was entirely new while 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 a choice of four-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Top speed was in excess of 120mph.

The 230 SL even managed a debut competition victory, as Sporting Motorist noted: "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 230 SL 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' after their distinctive roof shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.

This automatic transmission 230 SL was purchased new by Mr Ivor Frost for his wife and has remained within the same family ever since (aunt and nephew). The car originally left the factory in the wonderfully period colour combination of Light Beige with a Bronze Brown interior and matching Havana Brown soft top. A combination it still retains to this day.

In November 2017 a restoration was completed by classic Mercedes-Benz specialists Hilton & Moss of Bishop's Stortford at a cost of £20,000 (invoices available). Works carried out included replacing the floor pans, rear chassis legs, boot floor, and sundry other panels, while the interior woodwork was renewed also. The engine is a Mercedes replacement unit, installed circa 12,000 miles ago. Serviced recently by marque specialist Steve Redfearn, the car is described by the private vendor as in very good condition throughout. As one would expect of a well-cared-for 'one-owner' example, it comes with a huge history file containing the original service book (stamped), expired MoTs, instruction booklets, a V5C document, current MoT, and countless invoices.