Vehicle Description
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?
