Range | Authentic range |
Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
Type | 230 SL |
Body | Cabriolet 3 places |
Production | 19831 exemplaires |
First print | |
Body color | Bleu |
Interior color | MB Tex cognac |
Motor | 6 Cylindres en ligne injection |
Displacement | 2 308 cm2 |
Powerful | 150 ch DIN |
Gearboxe | Mécanique à 4 rapports |
Dimensions | L : 4,33 m - l : 1,76 m |
Options | Direction assistée, Troisième siège |
Features | A rénover |
Mileage | 46 500 km compteur |
Guarantee | Sans |
Price | 55 900 € |
Mercedes 230 SL 1965
The Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 saw the presentation of a Mercedes which would leave its mark on the history of the German manufacturer. That car was the 230 SL. The two letters were the abbreviation for “Sport Leicht”, literally “Sport Light”. In fact, it was an elegant cabriolet model which was destined to replace the legendary 190 SL. It was supplied with a standard hardtop with a concave shape that recalled the roofs of Buddhist temples and earned it the nickname “Pagoda”. Three versions were offered. A two-seat coupé with a hardtop but no soft top. The version with both soft and hardtops, and finally the “California” with the hardtop and a bench seat in the area where the hood was stowed. Despite its name, the SL was more a pleasant and good-looking convertible than a sports car. Its 150bhp engine delivered excellent performance for the time, but its roadholding and braking curbed the enthusiasm of more reckless drivers. Driven with greater moderation but a dash of sportiness, on the other hand, it proved a real delight on the road. The flexibility of its six-cylinder engine allowed it to pick up smoothly from very low revs, while the throaty roar of its engine at higher revs was a treat for music lovers. It was reliable, elegant and sexy, and despite its prohibitively high price, nearly 50,000 cars were built until 1971, when it was replaced by the 107. It underwent few changes during its career. The engine capacity was increased to 2.5 litres in 1967, then to 2.8 litres in 1968. A few improvements were made, such as an oil cooler and disc brakes all round in 1967, but in general, it remained unchanged during its career. It left its mark on its era and turned a good many heads. That remains the case today, whenever you have the opportunity to see one which has been spared from the ravages of time.
The model presented here
The model presented here is a 230 SL first registered in January 1965. It would be a good basis for a restoration. The engine starts and runs without any suspicious noises or undue smoke. The upholstery, which is in good condition, has already been replaced. The body was repainted a long time ago in navy blue. There are signs of corrosion in a few places, a recurrent problem on the Pagoda. Fitted with power steering and the third passenger seat, this car has already been registered as a historic vehicle. The buyer is welcome to examine the car in our presence on a lift at our premises and to judge for themselves the cost of the work needed to bring the car up to the standard they want.