LOT 173

1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible with Hardtop Registration no. AHJ 146C Chassis no. 10304220009402

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Lot 173

1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible with Hardtop

Goodwood Revival: Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia|13 September 2025, 13:00 BST|Chichester, Goodwood

1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Convertible with Hardtop
Registration no. AHJ 146C
Chassis no. 10304220009402

• Original UK-market car
• Desirable manual gearbox and power steering
• Recent extensive professional restoration (bills available for over £175,000)
• Successful rally participant

This absolutely beautiful, right-hand drive, UK-market 230 SL is still in its original colours and has recently benefited from an extensive professional restoration. The 230 SL is finished in white with black M-B Tex trim, and has the enthusiast-preferred four-speed manual gearbox and the desirable option of power steering. First registered as 'AHJ 146C', the Mercedes remained in the UK for 35 years until it is believed to have moved to Ireland. The car remained in Ireland until 2014 when it came back to the UK to be auctioned. It was purchased by current owner at the auction and reunited with its original registration.

Although all seemed well with the car, a more thorough inspection revealed that all was not well beneath the car's bright appearance. What followed was a significant restoration, finished in 2019, by Aston Martin specialists Goldsmith & Young. The owner's aim was to create an excellent example to use and enjoy, unlike most 'garage queen' restored Pagodas. The car was stripped to a bare shell, which was placed on a jig and rebuilt with new panels where required, including the hardtop. The engine, rear axle, brakes and suspension were all rebuilt as a matter of course, while the tyres (Michelin), gauges, exhaust, steering box, clutch, radiator, headlining, rubber seals are among the countless items that were either replaced with new or refurbished. All works undertaken and parts purchased are detailed in extensive bills totalling over £175,000.

Since the restoration's completion the Mercedes has taken part in rallies ranging from The Three Castles in the UK to the Paris-Biarritz where it finished 1st overall, and the Dolomite Challenge where it achieved 3rd in its class in 2024. The car still has cabling for its Brantz trip meter.

According to our vendor, the bodywork is in beautiful condition both outside and underneath, with excellent panel fit, correct dimples inboard of the headlamps, etc. The car is currently MoT'd and will be driven to the sale.

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