170 bhp, 2,308 cc overhead-cam inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring four-wheel independent suspension with control arms in front and swing axles rear, and disc-front, drum-rear hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

- Offered from an important private collection

- Attractive W-113 sports roadster

- Restored example with air conditioning and manual transmission

The Mercedes-Benz product line of the late 1950s had a glaring void. The 300SL sports car was magnificent but expensive, and its 190SL sibling, developed from an entry-level sedan, lacked performance. To remedy this omission, development began on a six-cylinder evolution of the 190SL, internally coded W-127 and intended to be badged as 220SL. Along the way, however, the development was re-directed toward the S-Class, W-112 platform. The result was the W-113, a fuel-injected 2.3-liter sports car introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Badged 230SL, it came as a roadster or “pagoda roof” coupe. Nearly 20,000 were built through 1967, of which more than half were exported, many of them to the United States.

Road & Track was impressed by its performance: “the 230SL really belongs to the fast car group. The manual-shift gearbox is first class with very fast, excellent synchromesh, and a shift lever position which is exactly right.” Successively larger engines kept the W-113 in production through 1971, as the 250SL and finally 280SL. When finally succeeded by the R107 and C107 cars, nearly 50,000 had been built.

Purchased by the current owner in May 2005, this Mercedes-Benz 230SL was restored prior to his acquisition. The combination of the white exterior and red leather are very striking, and the sprightly motor with the manual transmission makes for a very enjoyable driving experience. Equipped with air conditioning and an AM/FM cassette stereo, it is a pleasure to drive. The odometer currently indicates 13,350 miles. The car presents well with cosmetic faults only visible on very close examination. Road & Track summed up their review of the 230SL succinctly: “for the man who can afford it, the 230SL should come very near to the ideal of a fast, effortless GT car.”

As part of a large private collection, this car has been treated to climate-controlled storage but has seen little exercise in recent years and will require thorough professional inspection before being driven.