1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL

Design by Paul Bracq

2,308cc SOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
150bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Long-time California and Arizona car retaining the old black CA plate
*Well-documented example offered with impressive history file, original owners manuals and tools
*Retains its matching-numbers engine and bodywork
*Timeless Paul Bracq design on a high-quality classic Mercedes-Benz


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 MOTORCAR OFFERED

This elegant Mercedes-Benz 230SL 'Pagoda' was completed at the Stuttgart-based Mercedes-Benz plant during August of 1966. According to the original owner's manual on file, the first recorded owner was a Mr. Jack Finch of Martinez, California, who appears to have taken European delivery when this car was new, most likely by picking the 230SL up right from the Mercedes-Benz factory. A first service was performed on the car in September of 1966 in Verona, Italy, hence this assumption. From December of 1966 through the late 1970s, the car was diligently serviced by European Motors Ltd of Oakland, CA; presumably Mr. Finch's local Mercedes-Benz agent.

The car appears to have been white from new, and later repainted in the beautiful Dark Red exterior paint color as seen on the car today, topped by a black convertible top. A hard top is offered with the car, and a period Becker Europa TR radio is situated in the dash. This 230SL has been partially restored, and the comprehensive history file contains receipts from the work done in recent years. Original ID plates and chassis stampings remain intact, and body and engine numbers match that of the factory build sheet. Offered here is a charming example of the first-generation Pagoda.