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.

This example has the 2.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a four-speed manual transmission. The Mercedes-Benz has received a new front end and rebuilt engine approximately 20 years ago, plus it has leather seats, power steering, radio and the lift-off hardtop. The soft-top is not present.

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. The 230SL was an unqualified success and regarded as one of the finest models to be built by the Stuttgart firm.