Description
Offered for sale is an absolutely stunning, extremely original, entirely solid, cosmetically restored and mechanically strong 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, finished in factory correct Papyrus White (DB 717) over red leather and retaining its original engine and gearbox, its original fenders and its solid original undercarriage. A two-owner car that has always been well looked after and used principally as a weekend cruiser, the car was purchased by the second owner in 1989. A completely original, rust free, straight and correct example when purchased, he would enjoy the car as it was for a time, but eventually began a thorough, high dollar cosmetic restoration using only the best craftsmen in the Pacific Northwest.
Documented through every conceivable invoice and receipt, the restoration spanned four years and was performed largely by Auto Cars Unlimited, a well-regarded shop in Philomath, Oregon. The car was stripped to bare metal, underwent a gorgeous, multi-coat paint job, had all of its rubber replaced and had all of the chrome re-plated. The results of those efforts are stunning, and the owner would routinely show the car at local events and judged concours. The body is entirely straight, with consistent and correct panel fits and gaps throughout, and the high quality finish has held up exceptionally well, retaining show quality depth and luster and marred only by the most insignificant of imperfections (rock chips, etc.), none of which show up in any of the pictures. All of the glass and rubber is in excellent shape and the brightwork is beautiful, free of any pitting. Hardly ever used, the hardtop is in great shape and the color-matched, hubcapped wheels are wrapped in white wall tires with plenty of remaining tread.
The car’s interior is absolutely striking. Recently entirely reupholstered at a cost of over $10,000, the lascivious red leather and German square-weave carpets offset the exterior finish perfectly. Everything is finished using all of the correct patterns and materials and the leather seats, covered dash, interior and door panels and carpets are all absolutely flawless. The ivory steering wheel is free of cracks, the car retains its rare original Blaupunkt radio (most had Becker units) and the interior wood trim is in fantastic condition, free of any cracking or sun-damage to the finish. Lastly, a brand new German canvas soft top has been installed and it functions perfectly.
The car is mechanically excellent, the original, numbers matching engine starting effortlessly, idling consistently and pulling strongly and smoothly through each of the gears. Compression is strong and even across all cylinders providing the ample power necessary for modern highway driving. Road manners are exceptional, the brakes function flawlessly and the car is a joy to drive: punchy and visceral, and yet reliable and modern enough to enjoy on longer trips. The engine bay is clean and correct and although it’s slightly hard to see in the pictures, the inner fenders retain their factory spot welds on each side, as well as the telltale headlight “notches. Due to the careful stewardship of its two prior owners, the car’s undercarriage is entirely original, solid and correct, The same can be said of the car’s body and trunk, which has a new rubber mat and retains its full spare tire and original tool kit.
This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a truly gorgeous example of a rapidly appreciating classic that has everything going for it: beautiful color combination, entirely numbers matching, mechanically strong, exceptionally cosmetically restored and, perhaps most important, an entirely original and solid undercarriage and completely straight, original body. Whether for the weekend enthusiast or the seasoned collector, this stunning W113 Pagoda 230SL is sure to provide its next owner with years of joy and pride of ownership.
