Lot 119 - 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL

119 - 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL

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Estimate: 'š£27,000 - 'š£32,000

Registration Number: PGV53E

Chassis Number: 11304222019187

The Mercedes 230 SL, at its introduction in 1965, represented simultaneously a continuation and a new departure for the company. The SL series had begun with the mighty Gullwing and Roadster, undoubtedly among the greatest sports cars of their era but phenomenally expensive to produce and maintain; the 190SL inherited some of the same coachwork cues, but by the 1960s was beginning to lose its styling edge. The Stuttgart solution was the 230SL two-seater, superbly elegant and up to date in a distinctly 1960s idiom including the gorgeous 'pagoda' detachable hardtop which still identifies the model, powered by a potent 2.3 litre fuel-injected six, producing 170 horsepower which would take the car to an impressive 124mph. It was initially driven through a four-speed manual gearbox, but times were changing and a four-speed automatic gearbox was offered too; it is one of the very uncommon right hand drive automatic examples we are offering today.

The 230SL, the first and as usual the lightest of its line, remains a very usable sports roadster, and today's car, a 1967 example from two years into the production run, has the distinct benefit of having been treated to a very comforting amount of maintenance by various marque specialists.

The impressive history file which comes with the car includes substantial bills for all aspects of the car's maintenance during the past two decades; this includes servicing bills from the well-known model specialist Roger Edwards, who also performed a thorough engine rebuild about ten years ago including the fitting of replacement valve seats to permit the use of unleaded fuel.

Similarly the file contains a bill for the replacement of the back axle, and extensive work to the brakes. The body structure was not neglected either, with bills for the fitting of new floor and sill panels, and the car was then repainted in Royal Blue to a very high standard, as is evident from the impressive appearance of the car today; finally the car received a new high-quality soft top.

This very elegant and notably usable roadster goes to its next owner with MoT and tax till next year, and should provide truly satisfying classic motoring.