MOTOR CARS | 315Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for
the 190SL, the 230SL is a landmark model which founded a sports
car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for
Mercedes-Benz. The 230SL abandoned its predecessor’s four-cylinder
engine in favour of a 2.3-litre fuel-injected six derived from that of the
220SE and producing 150bhp. 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. Top speed was in excess of
120mph. The Mercedes-Benz 230SL was owned by countless film stars
and celebrities, becoming one of the iconic sports cars of the 1960s,
and even managed a debut competition victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liuge
Rally. Christened ‘pagoda top’ after their distinctive cabin shape, these
SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and
continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
This particular 230SL has been the subject of a most extensive
restoration to a very high standard carried out by a classic Mercedes-
Benz specialist in 2009/2010. A right-hand drive model equipped with
automatic transmission and power steering, the car was bought by the
immediately preceding owner for its superb mechanicals and remarkably
rust-free original bodyshell. He then decided to embark on a complete
restoration to bring the car up to ‘as new’ standard.
Throughout the restoration process care was taken to preserve the
original panel work and keep the factory under-body sealer, thus
maximising originality. The 230SL was subject to a bare metal repaint in
Mercedes-Benz silver (LF744) while the under-pinnings were finished in
satin black as they would have been originally.
A new Mercedes-Benz-supplied engine was installed in 1986, since
when the car has covered only some 25,000 miles (see accompanying
history). Running gear and auxiliary components have been removed
and restored, and the engine parts correctly zinc plated. It is worthwhile
noting that the gearbox carries a Mercedes-Benz reconditioning stamp.The tyres and stainless steel exhaust system are relatively new and
the suspension is in excellent order. All the chromework, including the
hardtop’s, has been restored by S&T Electroplaters of Bristol, regarded as
among the best in the UK. The hood and headlining have been renewed,
as has the dashboard’s surrounding woodwork. The interior leather re-trim
was undertaken by Aldridge Trimming of Wolverhampton. Rubber seals
have been renewed throughout and a new windscreen fitted.The current owner purchased the 230SL at Bonhams December Sale
in 2011 (Lot 443). A retired gentleman motor trader, the vendor has
spent his entire working life involved with Mercedes-Benz cars and can
be rightly regarded as one of the UK’s true connoisseurs of the marque.
The 230SL is only offered for sale because he is unable to use the car
as much as it deserves. Indeed, ‘OBY 48D’ has been dry stored since
acquisition and has covered only some 200 miles since John Haynes
Mercedes serviced it in 2012 (bill on file).Representing an opportunity to own one of the finest ‘Pagodas’
currently available, ‘OBY 48D’ is offered with current MoT, V5 registration
document and an extensive history file containing numerous restoration
photographs and invoices totalling some £60,000. A Becker Europa
radio/cassette is the only notified deviation from factory specification.
£55,000 - 65,000
€69,000 - 81,000