1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL 'Pagoda' Convertible

• Delivered new in the UK
• Rare four-speed manual gearbox
• Known ownership history
• 2.8-litre 280 SL engine
• Recent recommissioning by Jim Stokes Workshops

A relatively rare manual transmission model, this beautiful 'Pagoda' was supplied new in the UK by Bradshaw & Webb and first registered on 17th February 1966. It was exported to Ireland in 2016, re-imported into the UK in 2022, and re-registered with its original registration 'BRE 681D'. The registration document confirms the Mercedes has had three UK keepers in total including its current owner, plus a single Irish keeper from 2015 until early 2022. It is believed the car was owned by the Leake family until around 1994. The next owner was Mark Cropper of Kendal, son of the Lord Lieutenant of West Cumbria. The current odometer reading is 33,514 miles (actually 133,514) and the car has covered only 25,000 miles since 1995, as evidenced by the MoT history.

Major bodywork repairs were undertaken by John Seddon Iveydene Classics in 1992, including to the inner and outer wings and fuel tank (see photographic record in history file). At the same time the original engine was replaced with a fully rebuilt 2.8-litre 280 SL unit supplied by Crewe Engines Limited. This was done during the ownership of Peter Leake when the car carried the private registration plate '5618 PL'.

In 2005 the cylinder head was converted to unleaded specification by Commiskey Engineering, and in 2013 the car was stripped to bare metal and repainted in red metallic (code 571) by T & D Heaney. At the same time the interior was refurbished and a new soft-top fitted, which still looks like new. In 2014 the gearbox was rebuilt by W S Hoy and refitted together with a new clutch assembly and release bearing. The brake servo, shock absorbers and track rods received attention also.

There is a wealth of history on file, with works most recently undertaken by Jim Stokes Workshops Limited in 2022 at a cost of £14,000. These included a substantial mechanical recommissioning; corrosion eliminated from the inner sill and underside; and new bushes, gaiters and bushes for the rear axle and rear suspension. All corrosion was cut out, new nearside inner sills made (with drain holes), and the chassis fully wax oiled. New tyres and an electronic distributor were fitted, while the headlamp bulbs have been upgraded to soft LEDs, so one can now see the road at night without blinding oncoming drivers. Described by the vendor as in excellent condition throughout, this desirable classic Pagoda is offered with V5C document, and the aforementioned history file of bills, MoTs, etc.