The encore to the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL and 300 SL was first introduced at the 1963 Frankfurt Auto Show as the 230 SL, internally referred to as the W-113. The new SL was not the “hairy-chested beast” exemplified by the 300 SL nor the boulevard tourer of the 190 SL, as it placed more of an emphasis on safety and comfort. The four-cylinder power of the 190 SL was gone, and all models were fitted with a Bosch fuel-injected, 2,281-cubic centimeter six-cylinder that could produce 150 horsepower. It also had the added distinction as the first Mercedes-Benz automobile to be fitted with an alternator as standard equipment. Another feature on the SL was that it had one of the industry’s first uses of a multi-purpose control stalk for lights and wipers.

Dimensionally, it compared almost inch for inch with its predecessor, the 190 SL, as it had a similar wheelbase and was only 1.5 inches longer in overall length. It was quite a bit heavier, as the result of its rather stout construction, and it was considered one of the sturdiest sports cars in production at the time.

Perhaps most appealing about the car was its unique styling. It was clearly linked to earlier Stuttgart designs, as it featured the broad front grille of the 300 SL, albeit in a squared-up shape. As with its predecessors, it was available as a roadster, roadster/coupe, or pure coupe. Most distinctive was its roofline, known as the so-called “pagoda” roof, which was designed by Paul Bracq and Bela Barenyi. The upright roofline contained lots of glass area, with raised sides and a lower center panel instead of curving conventionally upwards toward the middle, à la the Japanese pagoda.

Production of 230 SLs continued until the 250 SL made its debut at the 1967 Geneva Show. With this 230 SL coming from the final year of production, and with the changeover to the 250 SL in January 1967, it is quite rare, as it is one of only 185 produced for the 1967 model year, out of a total 19,831 produced.

This 230 SL benefits from all of the factory production upgrades made to-date in Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation roadster. It is painted a classic combination of white over its original tan MB-Tex interior and is equipped with power steering and brakes, a four-speed fluid-coupled Daimler-Benz automatic transmission, a Blaupunkt radio, whitewall tires, and the removable hardtop. Its restoration was completed a little more than a year ago by Dragone Classic Motorcars in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and according to the owner, it has been sorted mechanically as well. It “drives like new,” and the current owner is reluctantly selling only to reduce the size of his current collection. It has never been shown before, giving its new owner the opportunity to debut this wonderful automobile at any event.