1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL

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 hardtops 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 Bracqs 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. Theres 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 owners 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 SLs 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/