1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda W113

Highlights

• Rare UK right-hand drive example
• Desirable manual transmission
• Hard top included
• Bodywork restoration, interior retrimmed in tan hide and new blue soft top fitted in 2021

The Appeal

While there are a good many candidates, the W113 "Pagoda" is probably the most elegant sports car Mercedes-Benz ever produced. Penned by Paul Bracq and named for its distinctive concave hardtop, the 230 SL was the first of the line when it debuted in 1963, and its combination of refined straight-six power, sophisticated engineering, and timeless styling has ensured its place among the most coveted classic Mercedes models. Right-hand drive examples with the manual gearbox represent the most sought-after specification for UK enthusiasts, and they are seriously scarce.

This 1964 230 SL is a home-market RHD car with the manual transmission. It has benefited from considerable cosmetic attention in 2021: metalwork has been carried out, and the car has been treated to a fresh coat of blue paint, while the tan hide interior was retrimmed. A new blue soft top was also fitted, completing a very attractive blue-over-tan colour scheme that is complemented by white wall tyres and fine chrome work.
The vendor states that this Pagoda is presented ready to be driven and enjoyed.

History and Paperwork

• UK market RHD car with six former registered keepers
• Five-figure odometer indicates 9,259 miles; odometer reportedly reset at time of 2015 restoration works
• Accompanied by history documentation
• MOT/road tax exempt

The current owner acquired the car in 2022. It was previously acquired in 2015 from a private collection within an estate, as the owner had passed away. He had purchased the car in 1988 and duly set about a restoration. The vehicle was originally registered in his company's name and at some point was transferred to his own name. Therefore, two of the former registered keepers are in fact the same person.

The Condition

• Bodywork repairs completed and fresh blue repaint applied in 2021
• Tan hide interior retrimmed (2021)
• New blue soft top fitted (2021)
• White wall tyres fitted
• Matching hard top included

Older restoration work circa 2015:

• Bodywork stripped to a bare shell with all glass removed and professionally repainted
• New bulkhead covers and engine undertray fitted
• Interior retrimmed
• Steering wheel professionally restored
• All chrome professionally restored

Light blue is a seldom-seen colour on Pagodas, and we must say it certainly suits those elegant Bracq/Barényi lines.
The exterior benefits from extensive refinishing work in 2021, perfectly complemented by the blue soft top and crisp white wall tyres. Inside, the cabin features a rich tan hide interior retrimmed to a high standard, while the surrounding chrome work is also noted to remain in very good condition.
Examining the history file, the vendor notes that the car also underwent extensive works in 2015, some of which have been superseded by further work in 2021, while items such as the chrome and steering wheel have held up beautifully since then. The information states: " [the vendor] took the whole vehicle apart and either renewed, where required, or cleaned and repaired all else."

The Mechanics

• 2.3-litre inline-six engine
• Manual transmission

2015 work included:

• Fitment of a new clutch
• Engine removed and rebuilt
• Engine and ancillaries detailed

The smaller 230 engine paired with a manual transmission results in a more lithe, sprightly car than some of the later W113s. The vendor states that this example runs and drives exceedingly well, and, as the photographs attest, the engine compartment presents impeccably.

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