For Sale: 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL in Lavergne, Tennessee

This 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL is part of a grand tradition of hand-built luxury cars. So to find an example that has been under the care of the same family for most of its life means this is your opportunity at a regal upper-class vintage convertible that has been treated like a dynasty.

Mercedes takes great pride in their SL line. In fact, the W113 "Pagoda" cars were largely hand-built in Germany. This gave each one a level of fit and finish that made them collector's cars from day one. You can see precision in the way the panels fit on a classic that has passed the half-century mark. Good care is also the hallmark of a well-loved family heirloom. The consignor's grandfather purchased this car from his neighbor in 1966. So this has been in the same family almost since new as it passed through three generations. There have been some upgrades over the decades, but it's presentation today is more about a look of preservation rather than too glossy or overdone. The blue folding roof looks nice against the body's factory-correct dark blue body paint. But for added elegance, the light blue on the wheel covers and matching the removable Pagoda-style hardtop give this a nice two-tone look.

While both roofs look nice, a car like this was meant to be open to the world. That's why the soft top even stows neatly hidden under the tonneau cover for a very roadster-like profile. And because the sea of blue continues inside, this classic European lives up to its elegant reputation when the top is down. Part of the quality status of these cars also come from Mercedes over-engineering these SLs. It's in the details, like dual bucket seats that strike the perfect balance between durable and all-day comfortable; the correct and crisp VDO gauges with large speedo and tach; and the steering wheel and gearbox have an intricate design but a hardy feeling in your hands. And as you look over the interior, you see nice details, like the rare Blaupunkt Frankfurt AM/FM radio (currently only for display.) And air conditioning was a rare and expensive option that could be installed by the dealer, and this appears to be that correct-style unit (it will need to be serviced to blow cold.)

The key to the idea that Mercedes-Benz cars are bulletproof comes from the reputation built during the 230 SL's era. Mercedes made only a few variations of motors in '66, which means they were able to take the time to get the engineering exactly right. Today that gives cars like this 230 SL a large and reliable parts network that even still includes Mercedes-Benz. We have maintenance receipts that come with this car, and the head gasket was even replaced only about 100 miles ago. A robust and well-maintained powerplant also means the fuel-injected 2.3-liter inline six under the hood is smooth and durable enough for spirited driving. But really this is a grand touring Mercedes. This car is about utilizing the ample trunk space to pack weekend bags and enjoy the backroads to your destination. With power steering, a four-speed automatic transmission, a well-balanced independent suspension, and power brakes w/discs up front, this is truly classic car motoring at its finest.

This is a family heirloom, and it's the kind of dedication to a rare classic that would make you think you need to pay far more for this Pagoda. That's why it will be going to its new caretaker soon. Will it be you?