MOTOR CARS | 41Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for
the 190 SL, the 230 SL is a landmark model which founded a sports
car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for
Mercedes-Benz. An instant classic, the body design was entirely new,
while beneath the skin the running gear was conventional Mercedes-
Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (by swing axles at the
rear), disc front/drum rear brakes and a choice of four-speed manual or
automatic transmissions. More refined than its predecessor, the 230 SL
abandoned the 190 SL's four-cylinder engine in favour of a smoother
2.3-litre fuel-injected six derived from that of the 220 SE and producing
150bhp. Top speed was in excess of 120mph.
The Pagoda SL is one of the most elegant convertibles ever built, and
this one has the 4 speed automatic transmission option and comes with
a hardtop and soft top, in generally excellent condition throughout. The
car was with its previous keeper for 21 years ( bill of sale included ) and
has been owned by the lady vendor for the last ten years. Maintained
regardless of cost, the Pagoda comes with extensive restoration/service
history dating back 30-plus years, including bills totalling over 2 ,000
for work carried out within the last 25,000 miles. The history file also
contains MoTs dating back to 19 4 and service records from Mercedes-
Benz specialists Bingleys totalling £11,000. Major works undertaken
include an engine rebuild in December 19 , since when some 22,000
miles have been covered, engine is smooth running, with perfect oil
pressure cold and hot.
A complete body restoration in 1997 that involved fitting new front wings,
rear wings, front and rear panels, inner wings, re-chromed trim, etc, etc;
only some 2,000 dry miles have been covered since then. In 2005 a new
mohair hood was installed and the interior refurbished with a full set of
carpets and new door inner panels and seat belts (1,000 miles ago).A full service was carried out in July 2016 to prepare the Pagoda for sale.
This included adjusting the valve clearances; setting up the fuel injection
system (by 'Pagoda' expert Clive Jordan at Autochek UK); and renewing
all ball joints and bushes in the throttle linkage. Other parts renewed
include filters, belts, hoses, stainless clips, water pump, distributor cap,
rotor arm, HT leads, points, condenser, ignition coil, spark plugs, engine
oil, antifreeze, exhaust parts, wiper blades, five white band H-rated
tyres, and a new windscreen and rubber. In addition, the fuel tank has
a new Spitfire Fuel Catalyst Pellet Bag installed, which - it is claimed -
eliminates the need for liquid fuel additive every time you fill with unleaded
petrol (with product guarantee, and £1,000,000 insurance cover ).MoT'd until July 2017, the car comes complete with a handbook, parts
book, tool kit (in its original bag), jack, ratchet, wheel chock, etc and
original spare wheel cover, all in excellent condition. A hardtop stand and
a 'Leicht Benz' number plate - 'LBZ 3' - are included in the sale together
with a Pye radiocassette player of 19 0s vintage (the car is fitted with a
modern radio/CD player).
£58,000 - 68,000
€68,000 - 80,000