1964 | Mercedes-Benz 230 SL

Lot details

Year: 1964
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 230 SL Pagoda
Registration: EDS 641B
Chassis No: 111304220002361
Engine No: 127.984120.002196
Odometer: 69,450

• Full bare-metal strip and re-paint
• Light fluid service prior to sale
• Full stainless-steel exhaust

Built between 1963 and 1971, all SLs boasted an inline, six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection and rear-wheel drive configuration, a feature that greatly improved road handling. Unlike the later models, the 230 SL was offered with three-piece wheels incorporating a painted accents to match the vehicle's body colour with an additional chrome ring. It also offers enthusiasts the glamour and charm of 1960's Europe, neatly packaged into a capable, robust and beautiful roadster rarely seen on modern-day roads. This is a more than able to enjoy long drives to and from holiday destinations but also simple local jaunts combining classic sporting characteristics with a high degree of travelling comfort.

Early invoices were supplied by Colin Ferns Ltd, highly respected Mercedes-Benz specialists based in Richmond, Surrey. He attended to various elements of ignition, wheel alignment as well as a number of other service items. More recently, Mr. Ferns attended to the soft-top mechanism as well as clutch, pressure plate and flywheel mechanisms, various additional electrical systems and all ball joints and throttle linkage assemblies.

Rees Bros. were then instructed to strip down the steering linkages; they also spent seven hours re-assembling the exhaust system and removed the clutch master cylinder in order that a new one could be fitted. There were also several other minor issues that took place in 2016 followed by, that same year, Roger Edwards and various minor works on two separate occasions as well as new bumpers front and rear as well as high quality radiator hoses.

Two new Bilstein B4 shock absorbers were also ordered from Germany and fitted, along with various soft-top and trim parts the following year, including weather strips, headlight seals and windscreen rubbers. The dash-mounted woodwork insert cost an eye-watering £808 but the vendor was keen to use the correct parts.

This beautifully finished example was acquired by the vendor in 2016 and the serious works formally began some years later. It was stripped right back and repainted from blue to its current Anthracite grey colour in 2017 by highly respected specialists, Finton Ellis Coachworks in Odiham, Hampshire. Additionally, the rear bumpers were re-chromed and brand-new front units acquired.

All four tyres are in good order with matching Cooper Lifeline Classic items (195/75 -14s). The windscreen was replaced and the soft top is a double-duck item which, when inspected, proved to be in good order throughout including the rear window which showed no evidence of creasing or discolouration. The engine has recently been tuned by Guy Edwards, with its radiator freshly re-cored. There are new brake-pads, bearings, anti-roll bars and links and, before the sale, the car will also undergo a light fluid service to ensure that everything runs as it should, pointing to reliable and safe motoring. This also includes fresh tonneau rubbers and OEM seals direct from Mercedes-Benz themselves.

The interior presents in a classic Oxblood MBTex with a light repair on the driver's bolster. The gearbox is the original, sporting four-speed manual unit and with some ten former keepers recorded, this fine 230 SL will benefit from a new 12-month MoT test certificate. In addition to an original multilingual parts catalogue, there is also an unrestored hardtop that will accompany the car. Consigned by Edward Bridger-Stille