First presented at the Geneva auto show in mid-March 1963 as a polite bow to the Swiss appreciation of precision and technical excellence, the Mercedes-Benz 230SL was brought to production in one body style; a roadster with a removable hardtop available as an accessory that virtually provided “two cars for the price of one.”

It carries the bloodlines of international racing champions, with a heritage of greatness. The Mercedes-Benz 230SL was built to pin you in your seat at up to an advertised 125-mph, yet this beauty is so much more than a sports roadster. The 230SL is a versatile two-seater with well-planned spaciousness for touring. Comfort is sumptuous and the appointments are impeccable.

The 230SL was considered to be a median between the 190SL and the 300SL in almost all respects. The 170 horsepower of the 2.3-liter inline six-cylinder engine offered performance between the 120-hp 190SL and the 250-hp 300SL powerplants. As a “sports touring car,” it has excellent roadability with sedan-like smoothness. The interior was regarded as “smart” rather than luxurious, reflecting the functionalism associated with sports cars, although it never was intended to be as austere as that of a true competition car.

This particular 230SL is reported as a European car that is finished in a tan exterior color, and it has been under the care of the same owner/custodian for the past 30 years. The car is reported as “original” with all original paint and Michelin tires.