
Toby Wilson
Head of Department
LOT 226
The Stan West Collection 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible with Hardtop Registration no. OOO 88D Chassis no. 113.042-22-013 654
A convertible model finished in silver with red leather interior, this car is a right-hand drive example of the 230 SL, a landmark model 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 more refined 2.3-litre fuel-injected six derived from that of the 220 SE and producing 150bhp.
An all-new design, the unitary chassis/body was one of the first to incorporate impact-absorbing 'crumple zones' at front and rear. An instant classic, it featured upright 'fishbowl' headlights and a simple chrome grille with Mercedes' three-pointed star in the centre - a direct reference to the already legendary 300 SL. 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. Christened 'Pagoda' after their distinctive cabin shape, these Mercedes-Benz SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
An automatic transmission model, this example is a right-hand drive UK car, and still had its original stickers in the 1990s (since lost in refurbishment). 'OOO 88D' has had only six owners in 56 years, although as the preceding custodian owned it twice - for many years in the 1990s and again from 2003 - it is really a five-owner car. The preceding owner first bought the Mercedes from its original lady owner, who only sold it as she was getting too old to drive. The 230 SL had covered 32,000 miles at that time and was the best that could be found (the current odometer reading is 48,109 miles).
Marque specialist Roger Edwards has restored the engine and bodywork, the latter being repainted in is original silver colour, while the interior trim has been changed from black MB-Tex to red leather. Following restoration, the car was kept garaged and serviced annually by Schmidt Mercedes in London. Stan West purchased the 230 SL at Bonhams' Bond Street sale in December 2016 (Lot 2), since when it has benefited from the expert attention of The SL Shop. The latter's bills are on file, and this user-friendly and fast-appreciating post-war Mercedes also comes with service history; a V5C registration document; and its original books and manuals.
As the Car has been inactive, we have found it has been difficult to start but does run well once warm.









































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