1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 230 SL PAGODA - LHD

Finished in a stunning colour scheme, and presented in superb restored condition, this 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL ‘Pagoda’ is an excellent example of the breed. It is powered by the 148bhp 2.3-litre M127.II straight-six engine, driving the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer shows 97,529 km (60,601 miles).

An original left-hand drive car, believed to have been first registered in July 1966, it was supplied new to Switzerland. The car later made its way to the US, from where it was imported by the current UK owner in 2018. The Pagoda had been fully restored by the previous owner over many years, and in the last two years, the seller has covered some 4,000 km on the road – enjoying every drive.

The bodywork is in excellent condition, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps throughout – and no signs of any prior damage. Its burgundy paint is a very recent coat, and looks absolutely superb, with a deep glossy shine around the car, and only a few small stone chips in the finish. Internal areas such as the boot channels and door jambs also present very well, with no corrosion of other blemishes. The hard top is colour-coded to the body, as are the hubcaps on the 14-inch wheels, which are all in great shape. There is a new black soft top fitted, which is in superb condition, and folds up and down perfectly.

Under the bonnet, the engine bay is in very good order, and the motor and ancillaries are all tidy and undamaged. The chrome work appears in excellent condition all around the body, though there are some very minor scuffs on the lower windscreen trim. The windscreen also has a small patch of delamination, as shown in the photos, and the window and door seals have some slight wear in one or two places.

In the cabin, the beige interior is in fantastic condition having been reupholstered as part of the total restoration. A wood rim Nardi steering wheel has been fitted which complements the style of the 1960s interior, and the owner reports no damage or defects with any of the trim. The car has been fitted with a retro-look modern radio head unit complete with Bluetooth, USB and SD card functionality. There are no seat belts fitted, so the next owner may wish to install a pair for the front seats, depending on the intended use.

The car was fully serviced by a classic car specialist in the winter and a complete new exhaust was fitted. The wheels are shod in 195/75 R14 Maxxis tyres, date-coded to 2019, which are virtually in as-new condition. It is described by the seller as a wonderfully well-sorted car that starts, runs, and drives beautifully.

The car is sold with an original owner’s manual, a parts catalogue, and a Date of Manufacture letter from Mercedes-Benz. There is no service history from the US, but there is a raft of receipts for smaller items such as rubber seals and additional chrome trim from The SL Shop in the UK.

An exceptionally usable and characterful classic, complete with ‘Pagoda’ hard top, this Mercedes-Benz 230 SL is presented in great condition. Having been carefully restored by its last owner, and finished in a stunning colour combination, this is an on-the-button convertible cruiser that is ready to delight another enthusiast with its style and sophistication.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.