Registration number: MB-35-75
Manufacturer: Gallery Aaldering Arnhemsestraat 47 6971AP BRUMMEN, NL 0575564055 http://www.gallery-aaldering.com info@gallery-aaldering.com
The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, better known as the “Pagoda,” is a car that not only marked an important step for the German brand, but is still regarded today as one of the most timeless roadsters Mercedes-Benz has ever built.
The 230 SL was introduced in 1963 as the successor to the 190 SL. While the 190 SL was primarily a stylish touring car, Mercedes set out with the 230 SL to create a car that improved on every level. More comfort, more safety, and more modern driving dynamics, without losing that classic Mercedes feel.
The design was penned by Paul Bracq, who gave the car a clean, modern appearance with perfectly balanced proportions. Under the hood sits a 2.3-liter inline-six with fuel injection. At the time, this was a highly advanced engine, delivering smooth performance and a comfortable driving experience. The 230 SL was not a raw sports car, but a refined machine, built to cover long distances with ease.
This example? It is truly something special. Finished in color code DB574, a very rare and distinctive shade within the Mercedes-Benz palette. This color carries an almost mysterious background and is regarded as a so-called “Sonderwunschfarbe,” a special-order color available only upon request. Various sources indicate that the very first car in this color was built for Professor Nallinger, who was Technical Director at Mercedes-Benz at the time. This means you are not just looking at a beautiful Pagoda, but at an example with a unique connection to the brand’s own history.
Then there is the condition of this car. This Pagoda has been fully restored and rebuilt in accordance with original factory specifications. The quality of the work is immediately evident. Everything feels fresh, correct, and carefully executed, exactly what you would expect from a restoration at this level. It is a car that not only looks impressive, but has been brought back to a high technical and visual standard, just as Mercedes-Benz intended. Please take a look at the photos on our website for a closer impression. The paintwork is of very high quality, and the panel fit is excellent. Inside, you will find beautifully finished upholstery using high-quality materials. And the driving experience? Comfortable, smooth, and faultless. Once again, the quality of the restoration is fully apparent.
What makes the Pagoda so special is its balance of qualities. It is stylish without being excessive, comfortable without becoming dull, and technically refined without feeling complicated. That makes it accessible, yet highly distinctive. And in this color, it is not only visually unique, but historically as well.
Interested? Contact Gallery Aaldering today. Since 1975, we have specialized in only the finest automobiles in the world. We export our vehicles worldwide—please inquire about the possibilities.
