1964 MERCEDES-BENZ 230 SL PAGODA

KEY FACTS

• A superb, lightly refurbished example of the classic roadster, presented in a particularly appealing colour combination.
• Under the bonnet is the 150bhp 2.3-litre straight-six, which drives the rear wheels via a lesser-seen four-speed manual transmission.
• Prior to import to the UK in 2019/2020, it is reported to have been in 35-year family ownership in Portland, Oregon – though it is understood to be a European specification car. It was re-registered with the DVLA in January 2021.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This ‘Pagoda’ is finished in the demure hue of Anthracite Grey Metallic with an eye-catching red convertible hood and a matching leather interior.
• Equipment includes the side-facing rear seat, a colour-matched hardtop, 14-inch ‘Bundt’ alloy wheels and a Becker Europa radio, which has previously been restored.
• While documentation of the car’s original maintenance history was lost during its transit from the US, it will be accompanied by an invoice for its most recent service.
• The mileage when the car was previously sold on behalf of its Oregon owner was reported to be around 54,000 miles, but this cannot be warranted.

CONDITION

• Believed to be entirely original, with the correct ‘dimples’ in the front wings, the bodywork is in excellent, undamaged condition, and the exterior trim and brightwork is very smart.
• Recently resprayed to a high standard, the Anthracite Grey metallic paintwork is in superb order. Its red convertible hood has also been replaced, and is in great shape.
• Evidently retrimmed in the past, the red leather-clad interior is in very good order, with only a few minor age-related blemishes, including fading and discolouration of the hood cover/lid and small marks on the carpets and dashboard.
• Furthermore, the wooden ‘bow’ panels below the windscreen are showing signs of their age, and leather covering the upper passenger-side of the dashboard has come away from its backing - though it should be possible for this to be fixed back in place.
• The speedometer is not currently working; however there are no other known electrical or mechanical faults.
• While it is exempt due to its age, the car’s last MOT test was conducted on 23 May 2021 at an indicated 38,221km, which it failed due to a non-functioning windscreen washer, misaligned headlamps and the offside parking brake being inoperative.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This stylish roadster’s most recent routine maintenance was carried out by Varzi Classic Engineering in May 2021. A general service, this included an engine oil and filter change, as well as replacement of the brake fluid.

SUMMARY

This Mercedes-Benz 230 SL ‘Pagoda’ is a partly restored example of the sophisticated classic, finished in an attractive colour scheme and presented in excellent cosmetic order. Made all the more usable thanks to its factory hardtop and side-facing rear passenger seat, this example should prove to be a thoroughly enjoyable 1960s roadster in which to enjoy the summer months.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.