Model History

The Mercedes-Benz W113 was a two-seat roadster/coupé produced from 1963 through 1971. It was introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and replaced both the legendary 300 SL (W198) and the 190 SL (W121). The model is well-known for its distinctive, patented, and slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the "Pagoda" nickname.

All W113 SL models were equipped with a straight-six cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection. The bonnet, trunk lid, door skins and tonneau cover were made of aluminum to reduce weight. The comparatively short and wide chassis, combined with an excellent suspension, powerful brakes, and radial tires gave the W113 superb handling for its time. The styling of the front, with its characteristic upright Bosch "fishbowl" headlights and simple chrome grille, dominated by the large three-pointed star, paid homage to the then already legendary 300 SL roadster.

Production of the 230 SL commenced in June 1963 and ended on 5 January 1967. Its chassis was based on the W111 saloon platform, with a reduced wheelbase by 30cm, recirculating ball steering (with optional power steering), double wishbone front suspension, plus an independent single-joint, low-pivot swing rear-axle with transverse compensator spring. The dual-circuit brake system had front disc brakes and power-assisted rear drum brakes. The 230 SL was offered with a 4-speed manual gearbox or optionally as a 4-speed automatic. From May 1966 the ZF S5-20 5-speed manual box was available as an additional option, which was particularly popular in Italy.

The 2308cc M127 II straight-six engine with was based on Mercedes-Benz' venerable M180 inline-six with four main bearings and mechanical Bosch multi-port fuel injection. Mercedes-Benz made a number of modifications to boost its power, including increasing displacement from 2,197cc and using a completely new cylinder head with a higher compression ratio, enlarged valves and a modified camshaft. A fuel injection pump with six plungers instead of two was fitted, which allowed placing the nozzles in the cylinder head and "shooting" the fuel through the intake manifold and open valves directly into the combustion chambers. An optional oil-water heat exchanger was also available.

Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was as competent behind the wheel as any racing driver, demonstrated the capabilities of the 230SL on the tight three-quarter mile Annemasse Vétraz-Monthoux race track in 1963, where he put up a best lap time of 47.5 seconds vs. 47.3 seconds by Grand Prix driver Mike Parkes in his 3-litre V12 Ferrari 250 GT.

Equipment

White paintwork, Red leather upholstery, 4-speed manual transmission, Folding soft-top in black, Becker Grand Prix radio, Horn push ring, Chrome wheel embellishers, Dash clock, Lockable glove compartment, Cigarette lighter, Ash tray, Jack.

Exterior

Finished in the very glamourous colour combination of crisp white over red, this beautiful SL looks marvelous beneath our studio lighting. The body and paintwork present to a lovely standard all round with a deep and uniform shine to note across every panel. All the chrome, which can be very costly to replace, also remains in excellent order, and the black mohair hood is without any damage to either the fabric or rear screen.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The elegant SL interior is well appointed with supple red leather, all in perfect unmarked condition. Leather extends from the seats to the dash, door cards, A pillars, and sun visors, again all retaining a fresh appearance. The steering wheel, dials, and switchgear are also in fine order, and the wooden centre console tray is perfect. The dash is complete with a period-correct Becker Grand Prix radio and clock.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine bay appears in excellent condition with no signs of damage or previous poor repair. With a number of components having been sympathetically reconditioned everything looks great, not overly restored but with just the right level of patina in our opinion. After a couple of years in dry storage the car has just returned from a full vehicle health check and service. The fuel-injected straight-six starts first turn of the key and idles smoothly up to temperature. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

he 14-inch black steel wheels are finished with attractive chrome embellishers, all in fine order with a lovely mirror shine to report. Brand new tyres have just been fitted (not the white walls pictured) and the brakes have also been serviced with new pads and discs at the front.

History File

This beautiful 230SL was manufactured in March 1964. Originally destined for the United States the car was exported to Sweden in 1990 before finally arriving in the UK back in 2016. It has never been the subject of a full restoration but has been gradually recommissioned over the years as necessary. The car presents in very nice cosmetic condition and the mechanicals are in good order but, having spent a few years in storage, some further remedial work may be required if it’s put back into regular use.

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