As the oldest car company in the world, Mercedes-Benz has a lot to live up to year after year. By the time the 1960s had come around the company was 70-plus years old, nearly twice that of most of their contemporaries. They offered grandeur in the 1930s, superb engineering and competitive road going racecars for the 1940s and 50s. For the 1960s however, the ever successful SL or “Sport Leicht” was due for a refresh, face-lift and an all-round new concept. Debuting in 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show, the 230SL, also known as the “Pagoda,” was about to kick off nearly 50-plus years of evolution and success. These nimble, technologically advanced, refined roadsters became the standard and today offer a timeless experience.

The example on offer here is of the first generation of SL “Pagoda” offerings, the 230SL. It is presented in the very rare, correct color combination as it left the factory: 716H Grey Beige and 112 Turquoise. Thanks to Mercedes Heritage, the original data card translation shows this example, chassis # 11304210014683 left the factory with the following options:

Chassis number: 113 042 10 014683

Engine number: 127 981 10 011875

Transmission number: 011933

Front axle number, l: 135945

Front axle number, r: 135948

Rear axle number: 014942

Steering box number: 262066

Exterior color code: 716 – grey beige body & hardtop

Interior color code: 112 – green mbtex

Option codes:

401 single seats

416 hardtop mounted

493 USA version / hd heat exchanger

508 outside side view mirror, left

524 paint coat preservation

641 whitewall tires

669 mode of packing VE I

736 soft top fabric, light gray

229 heat insulated glass

Early ownership history, according to the original documentation accompanying the car shows it was delivered to World Wide Motors of Indianapolis, Indiana. Here it was offered as it is today, and sold to its first owner, a Mr. William Davis of Rockville, Indiana on August 1, 1966. Mr. Davis’ ownership lasted for many years. The car was driven and well-cared-for during his ownership and when in use. We can assume it was at times a daily driver. In 1999 the unfortunate passing of Mr. Davis meant his 230SL would be offered for sale for the first time. The second and most recent owner, a Mr. Waters, also of Indiana, acquired Mr. Davis’ prized possession at this time. The odometer showed only 53,000 miles, believed to be original. During his ownership, few miles were accrued. The car was in totally original condition upon his acquisition and only a few years into his ownership he decided a repaint was necessary. Today the car carries only one repaint and newer, but correct Mercedes-Benz Tex Seat covers in the original color of Turquoise. All of which renders this particular 230SL a highly original example with known ownership from new. More importantly, there are loads of documentation accompanying this car, a Metal Data Plate and warranty card, booklet and more are all present and in their pouch along with many other interesting pieces of information.

The cosmetic condition is good overall and shows as a very presentable driver that could be enjoyed just the way it is. The body is straight, the gaps, shut lines and panel fitment are good overall. There are many spot-welds indicating that this car was never apart, hit or poorly tended to. The brightwork shows well, most of which is newly plated and the rubber and glass components are still in good overall condition as well.

The engine bay shows to be very original and has never been tampered with beyond regular servicing and use. It shows as a 53,000 mile car does, used and a bit worn, but functional. The soft top is very original and the hardtop is of the same condition as the rest of the car. As a four-speed car, this 230SL represents a very rare opportunity to acquire a true two owner example still retaining all of its documentation. This is a car with known history, finished in original colors, an ideal opportunity to acquire an excellent original driver. Impressive factory colors, flawless documentation, two tops, many high points of originality, this is indeed and opportunity not to be missed.