1966 Mercedes Benz 230SL Pagoda

1966 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

I am the 4th owner of this wonderful 1966 Pagoda 230SL. The car was originally purchased by a gentleman in Sea Island Georgia for his wife as her 50th anniversary present, and remained in the Sea Island community, passing through an additional 2 owners before I bought the car in 2011 and brought it to East Tennessee.

It was serviced routinely at Brunos Motors in Jacksonville and at Southern Star in St. Simons Island, Ga. and many of the receipts remain in the portfolio for this car.

Most, if not all, of the original Mercedes factory manuals, pamphlets and brochures are still with the car (including both of the original antenna keys). The car remains the original ivory exterior color, having received one repaint about 12 years before I purchased the car in 2011. The paint is in excellent condition.

The tool kit appears to be complete, as well as the jack and the wheel chock.

My ownership:

The car showed just over 89,000 miles when we bought it and based the receipts that were with the car at that time, I believe this was actual mileage. The oldest receipt was from December of 2000, and the mileage recorded at that time was 85,371. Just over 6,000 miles in 9 years. I feel confident this was a vacation home car and not a daily driver.

My wife and I bought the car to drive on weekends. I wanted to be sure the car was in good mechanical and cosmetic condition. I was not interested in a Concours restoration but instead a very nice example of the 230SL.

Body and Interior Work

As a result of the car having spent 40+ years in the salty atmosphere of a beach community, it did show some rust in the side rails and splash panels. I bought all new panels and used those as necessary to restore solid metal to the car.

I completely refurbished the interior and dash including

- Replacement of the windshield seal (new Mercedes Benz seal)

-Heater and fresh air controls checked and cleaned and lubricated, (including replacement of light bulbs)

-Heater core was flushed and pressure tested

-Fresh air flap gasket replaced and the heater flaps replaced

-Heater box was cleaned, sealed and reinstalled

-All dash and instrument bulbs were replaced

-New speedometer and tachometer cables

-Dash aluminum and plywood upholstery panels were carefully stripped and sent to Bud’s Benz for recovering.

-Seats completely rebuilt and re-upholstered in new leather

-Carpet replaced with new German Weave red carpet

-All chrome was re-chromed on the dash, around the windshield and behind the seats

-Both door panels recovered in leather and refurbished the regulators for both windows.

-Top was replaced with an original German Canvas fabric GAHH top

-All seals on the top were replaced with MB seals

-Door seals were replaced with new MB seals

-3 complete sets of keys

Mechanical Work

The following has been replaced on the car since we have owned it:

-Engine supports

-Transmission support

-Power steering gearbox/unit

-Transmission fluid

-All drive train rubber

- Differential oil

-All rear end rubber (except lateral bushing), including the difficult trailing arm bushings

-Split boot in rear end

-Tires (Michelin Pilots)

-Front brake pads

-Rear shocks (new Konis)

-New front rotors and pads

The oil has been changed about every 2500 miles, including the mechanical fuel injection, using Brad Penn oil (high zinc content).

For attention at some point

-The original hard top is in good condition but probably needs the headliner replaced soon

-There are some minor dents and scratches on the car as well as a remaining small spot of rust in the rear quarter panel (see pictures)

-A/C installation (the unit is complete and the blower was working on removal). It has been thoroughly cleaned.

-The original Blaupunkt radio powers up but does not produce sound due to shorted transformer in amp.

In Summary

This is a wonderful, driving example of these hand built automobiles. The car is beautiful from a time when craftsmanship was truly a personal statement. So much chrome, such a good posture on the road, and an absolute joy to drive. It runs as smooth as silk and solid. The seats are incredibly comfortable.

Thousands of these cars made, but very few remain on the road and their value is certain to increase with time. The 230SL is the first version of the Pagoda and likely the most collectible. It is one of the years that actually was hand built.

The reserve is set at what I consider a good price for this car based on current market value. I'd be happy to talk with you about the car or answer questions by email. If you're in the market for a Pagoda, this is one you should consider.

• Make: Mercedes-Benz
• Model: SL-Class
• Type: Convertible
• Year: 1966
• Mileage: 97,087
• VIN: 11304212012809
• Color: Ivory
• Engine size: 2.3 litre six cylinder
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Power options: Air Conditioning
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Automatic
• Drive type: 4-Speed Automatic
• Interior color: Red
• Drive side: Left-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!