1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda

The USA was an important market for Mercedes in the 1960s, and thats where this car spent the first half century of its life, in the warm Florida sun before being imported to the UK in 2013, clearing NOVA checks in November that year and it was first registered here in 2014. Since arriving in the UK it has been treated to a respray in the correct colour and the interior retrimmed.

Since purchasing the car, the owner has improved and kept the car in perfect condition ready to be driven, but with a large collection which is being downsized he has not given the car much use and has decided to part with it.

Surely one of the prettiest sports cars ever built, the Pagoda (not its actual name) the 230 looks absolutely stunning, the white paint is superb over excellent panels, unblemished with no dings, dents or corrosion in the bodywork, not surprising as it has been totally repainted, previously it had been repainted in wrong colour but is now back to its original hue.

With its clean and simple design the bright work is minimal, but what there is shows the amazing quality of the parts and is all very good. There is, however, a small ding on the right hand rear bumperette, and the left hand tail light has a small crack.

The 14” wheels are dressed with beauty rings and small painted hubcaps with bare stainless highlights, although they are otherwise excellent the offside rear has been damaged. The car is riding on Michelins with very good tread.

The car is fitted with its removable body colour hard top. The paint is excellent and glass good too. Underneath this sits the convertible hood which is in very good conition & sits very taut, though the rear window is a bit creased.

The cabin is pure mid century design joy. The painted dashboard is accented with a strip of engine turned metal across the top and features a Becker Europe TR FM radio. In front of the driver is the large white two spoke steering wheel with chrome horn ring, which has recently replaced with a new item. Between the speedo and rev counter sits the Mercedes instrument stack, all mounted in the white body colour painted panel, where there are some small chips around the dials.

Having been re-trimmed the seats are superb, there is virtually no sign of wear or even of use to the black leather and the padding shape is perfect. The carpets are also in excellent condition as are the door cards. There is a small amount of wood trim in the cabin and this is all in good shape.

The car has been thickly undersealed and so looks well protected underneath. The engine fires easily and there are no signs of fluid leaks in the engine bay or beneath the car. The inner wings and bulkhead are all clean with no sign of accident damage or repair.

The vendor tells us that the automatic gearbox was reconditioned around 4 - 5 years ago & has recently been inspected due to feeling a bit clunky, it now feels silky smooth after some minor adjustments.

It was first registered on January 1st, 1965. Old titles show it was registered in Florida during the 1980s and more recently in Beverly Hills, California, both dry states. It was imported to the UK over 2013/14 and has been in a private collection since then.

These pretty Mercedes are effortlessly charming. Good looking, over engineered and well built and can be used as either a hard or soft top they are both a useable and collectable classic. Benefiting from new paint and interior this is an excellent example.

Values have risen dramatically in recent years and continue to go up making it not only time to buy but a great investment you can enjoy.

Our estimate for this car is £49,000 - £59,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car is located with us at The Market HQ, Abingdon. To arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.