150 bhp, 2,306 cc OHC inline six-cylinder engine, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with double wishbones, coil springs and torsion-bar stabilizer, independent rear suspension with single-joint swing axle, compensating spring and coil springs, and front disc, rear drum hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 94.5"

- A great first-series example of Mercedes’ collectible and drivable “Pagoda”

- Original and unrestored; four-speed manual transmission, Euro-spec headlamps and leather

- Recently fine-tuned by California’s Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

- 30,000 kms; accompanied by copies of Mercedes-Benz documentation

Introduced at Geneva in March 1963, the new 230SL Roadster replaced both the 300SL and 190SL, marking a new single-platform policy for Mercedes-Benz sports cars. Internally coded W113 and of monocoque construction, its 2,306 cc overhead-cam six-cylinder engine was the same basic unit utilized by the 220SE. Its angular, Paul Bracq-penned design was likewise reminiscent of Mercedes’ saloon cars and quite luxurious in its appointments.

However, the new car held fast to its sporting ‘SL’ heritage and added a unique identity of its own. Bored out and fuel injected, its 2.3-liter “six” produced 30 additional horsepower over the 220SE.

While the later 250SL and 280SL benefitted from even greater displacement and power output, the 230SL is considered the most nimble and enjoyable to drive of the three by virtue of its lighter weight. From a design standpoint, the large horizontal grille with its center-mounted star paid homage to the SLs of years past, while the pagoda-shaped roofline provided a unique and lasting design cue – and an endearing nickname for the new SL.

Extremely rare in today’s collector-car marketplace, this European-specification 230SL Roadster from 1966 comes from 25 years of fastidious single-family ownership. Finished in Light Ivory with Light Saddle leather upholstery, it is equipped with a highly desirable four-speed manual gearbox. Above all, it is an original, unrestored example with a virtually perfect body and upholstery and only about 30,000 kilometers (18,650 miles) on the odometer. A solid example without accident damage and never requiring bodywork, it has received some limited paintwork over its lifetime and has recently been entrusted to California’s Mercedes-Benz Classic Center for fine-tuning. Offered complete with copies of factory documentation, it is a truly rare find and is simply impressive.