1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda

Highlights

• Desirable 4-speed manual gearbox
• Supplied with colour-matched factory hardtop
• Over £12,000 recently invested in mechanical work by marque specialist Colin Ferns
• Restored between 2014 and 2018, with a photographic record documenting the work
• Wonderful colour combination
• Highly usable example ready for the summer

The Appeal

With its big Bosch fishbowl lights, subtle curves, utterly iconic grille and that concave top, the W113 has rightfully become celebrated as one of Mercedes-Benz' most impactful cars. Sitting comfortably between the W198 and the W121, it was meant to fill the dearth in the Merc product range between price and performance. Among the three iterations, the 230SL holds a special place as the original and purest expression of the concept, and examples fitted with the rare 4-speed manual gearbox are particularly sought after.

This 1966 left-hand drive example ticks all the right boxes. Finished in Medium Blue Metallic and supplied with its factory hardtop, it was the subject of a restoration carried out between 2014 and 2018, returning it to the condition it now appears today. A desirable colour scheme, handsome cabin and plenty of character; it's a good example of a much-loved classic car.

Crucially, the car has not simply been restored and left to sit. In 2019/2020, it benefited from a major service by marque specialist Colin Ferns, encompassing a new clutch and two new Michelin tyres among other work, with over £12,000 invested in total. For those seeking a manual Pagoda that has been properly prepared and is ready to be enjoyed, this is a compelling proposition.

History and Paperwork

• Left-hand drive example, first registered in the UK in 1966
• Registration number VAM 813D
• MOT exempt
• Photographic record documenting the 2014–2018 restoration in detail
• Over £12,000 invested in mechanical work in 2025, supported by invoices
• Written inspection report from Colin Ferns
• Extensive history file containing invoices and service records
• V5C present

The Condition

• Restored between 2014 and 2018, with the vendor describing the presentation as good throughout. Most recent maintenance carried out by Classic Connection in 2023 at 66,000 KMS, prior to this £12,000 spent at Colin Ferns in 2019/2020
• Bodywork reported to be straight with good panel fit
• Medium Blue Metallic paintwork - please see the photographs
• Interior presents well, with supple upholstery and a clean, correct dashboard
• Instrumentation reported to be bright and clear
• Factory hardtop fits well
• Soft top stows neatly

A walk around the W113's handsome lines is sure to start a passionate love affair. The proportions, the styling, the sheer character on display - it's hard not to wax lyrical about these deeply considered machines. This example is a handsome one, with a Medium Blue metallic livery and a well-presented cabin.
The dashboard boasts clean, legible instruments and is fronted by well-presented seats, with good clean upholstery and door cards. This fine condition runs through to the nicely-kept carpets. We're told that the soft top is lifting and folding correctly, and that the hard top is giving a good, tight fit.

The Mechanics

• 2.3-litre (2,306cc) straight-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection
• 4-speed manual gearbox
• All-round independent suspension
• Front disc brakes
• New clutch and two new Michelin tyres fitted in 2025

Mechanically standard, this handsome W113 is as good inside as it is out. The determined, ruggedly built straight-six is still starting and running as it should, married up to the desirable manual transmission, and, following a major service in 2025, we understand that it's in fine mechanical health.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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