The W113 was introduced in 1963, and was meant to take the place of both the 300 SL and the smaller but similarly beautiful 190 SL. These SLs were sporting automobiles with well-executed designs and modern technology. The W113 additionally brought about a new emphasis on luxury and safety, and in typical Mercedes fashion, the car was also deeply impressive from a design perspective. The hardtop featured a concave roof with raised sides for better visibility, earning it the nickname “Pagoda”. The rest of the body styling was also refined and elegantly proportioned. The style and quality of these SLs make ownership a delight; with access into classic car circles where they are widely regarded as a great vintage car due to their reputation for being so well constructed, reliable, ease of part availability, and a large enthusiast community behind them. The 1965 production run for the 230SL was 6,325 units worldwide. This is the 158th car produced out of those units, making this a very early Euro spec production model and very desirable. This lovely example is a 48,664 low mileage car finished in its factory color of Light Biege exterior with red leather interior. Comes equipped with 2 tops: Its matching body color hard top, and chocolate brown canvas convertible soft top. Powered by a strong 2.3 liter, single overhead cam, inline six-cylinder engine with Bosch multi-port fuel injection; mated to a smooth 4-speed manual transmission, with rear wheel drive, power steering, and an authentic German Becker ‘Europa’ radio, easily the most desirable combination of equipment.
The rare European spec is indicated by its side molding delete, one piece headlamps, and km gauge readings. With a great look inside and out along with the manual gearbox, it is an ideal weekend car for long, smooth top-down drives. With Pagodas selling well in excess of this attractive estimate, this particular example, with rare options, and low mileage represents a fantastic value in such condition.
