Vehicle Description
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W113 230 SL Coupe/Roadster to the public
in 1963. A new car from the ground up, it replaced both the
four-cylinder 190 SL and the exotic 300 SL roadster. Rather than
attempt to create a direct replacement for the costly 300 SL,
Mercedes-Benz chose to bridge the gap between the two outgoing
cars, creating a sophisticated, stylish sports-tourer built with
the exceptional quality Mercedes buyers expected. Designed in-house
by Paul Bracq, the handsome body styling was crisp and modern, a
drastic departure from the swoopy coke-bottle shape of the 190. One
of the most distinctive features was the removable hardtop's
concave roof panel that when viewed from the front, resembled the
form of a Japanese Pagoda, earning the car its famous nickname. The
Pagoda SL represented an entirely new philosophy for the SL line
which still defines the nameplate today. High on style and
practicality, yet with impeccable build quality and robust
performance, the SL walks the line between an all-out sports
roadster and relaxed grand tourer. In performance terms, the Pagoda
made a marked improvement over the outgoing 190 SL. The M127.II
engine, derived from the M180, was enlarged to 2.3 liters with a
high compression, reverse-flow cylinder head, with larger valves
and appropriately modified camshaft located inside the new cylinder
head which ensured very capable performance. The 1965 230SL
presented here is nothing less than the finest example we have had
the pleasure to offer. This two-owner SL is the subject of a
complete, nut-and-bolt restoration to the highest degree by a
dedicated marque specialist, completed in early 2024. It has
covered just a handful of test miles since returning to exacting
factory-fresh standards and is simply stunning throughout, with
exquisite quality paint and meticulous detailing. This W113 is
beautifully presented in its correct color of White Gray (158) with
a matching factory hardtop. The body is finished to
concours-quality standards, with laser-straight panels, crisp
lines, and millimeter perfect panel fit. Even the simple act of
closing the door is a uniquely pleasurable experience, as they shut
with the lightest touch with precise, vault-like quality. The
exterior brightwork is fully restored, and has been upgraded to
desirable European headlamps, which maintain Paul Bracq's original
design purity while offering superior lighting performance over
American-spec sealed beams. Period correct Phoenix tires are
mounted to factory steel wheels, adorned with polished, color-keyed
wheel covers. The factory hardtop is fully restored to the same
standards, and a taut-fitting dark brown canvas soft top on a new
old stock mechanism stows neatly beneath the body-color hard boot
cover. Tastefully enhancing the aura of this SL is gorgeous Bamboo
MB Tex upholstery, accented with Dark Tan German square weave
carpet and body-color instrument fascia. As with the body, the
cabin is restored to the highest standards; every instrument,
switch, and control are restored or new, and includes a factory
Becker Europa stereo. There's a proper spare wheel cover, restored
jack, tool kit, and lug wrench in the boot, all of which are
original and placed as should be. Also included are the original
owner's handbooks, original data card, and documentation from the
Mercedes-Benz Classic Center. Lifting the lightweight alloy bonnet
reveals the impeccably presented engine compartment and the
numbers-matching, Bosch-injected, single-overhead-cam inline-six.
The incredible level of detail includes beautifully restored yellow
zinc-chromate plated hardware, correct natural cast-finish
components, and fastidiously recreated labels, decals, and assembly
markings. Beneath the car, every suspension and brake system
component is rebuilt and restored to box-fresh condition. The
factory Schutz undercoating is correctly applied, with authentic
body color overspray. The paintwork inside the wheel arches is as
good as the rest of the body, and the chassis components are
properly finished down to the authentic assembly markings and
impeccable restored zinc-plated hardware. As expected of a marque
expert restoration, the car runs and drives as new. Throughout the
restoration, the restorer remained steadfast in keeping the SL as
authentic as possible, which is why as many original components of
the car were saved and restored, and if not, genuine Mercedes-Benz
Classic parts were used. Only three components of the car are
non-original or non-Mercedes-Benz Classic which are the windshield,
Hirsch antenna, and exhaust, although the exhaust is an OEM
component. Additionally, all five wheels are original and
date-matched to the car. As per the data card, the engine, gearbox,
front axle, rear axle and steering gear are all original to the
car. W113 SLs have always enjoyed a broad enthusiast base thanks to
their unique blend of sophisticated 1960s aesthetics with a
surprisingly modern and effortless driving experience. The 230, the
first of the Pagoda SL's, struck a special chord as a fabulous
grand tourer, and our car is no exception. This outstanding example
is undisputably the best 230SL we have had the privilege to offer
at Hyman Ltd., representing a high-water mark for both 230s and
W113s. Restored without regard to cost, it is turn-key and ready
for anything from world-class concours events to long-distance
touring and anything in between. Offers welcome and trades
considered. For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7737-1965-mercedes-benz-230sl/
