The 1963 to 1971 Mercedes-Benz “Pagoda” SL, 230 through 280, is among the most breathtaking of global designs. On offer in Miami, Florida via eBay is this somewhat battered example of the 1964 230SL, the model that kicked off the style. To many, the style many has never been equaled. The dealer owner is hoping to get $49,500 for this ragged-but-right example. Would it make more sense to find a restored 230, with the hard work done?
The SL is described as “beautifully patina’d.” That, of course, also means worn, and whether it’s attractive is up to you. The paint is a map of nicks and chips, and there’s rust developing in the right rear quarter panel. I like “the steering wheel is beginning to show it’s age.” In fact, it’s hugely discolored and badly cracked. And something unpleasant happened to the paint on the right side of the removable body-color roof, which is described as “in good condition, no leaks or cracks in the glass.” Yeah, but is it really “a refreshingly honest driver,” or a restoration candidate?
Aside from that ghastly wheel, the interior of the SL is in pretty nice nick, and the red leather seats are just glorious. Please don’t tell me they’re vinyl. All gauges, lights and switches work, and the AC “still bows.” Or maybe it still blows. The factory Becker Europa TR radio that was original equipment is gone, leaving a big hole in the dashboard.
The inline 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection is reported to run well, and the four-speed automatic functions as intended. The car “starts with no negotiation required,” and that’s a neat turn of phrase.
“This example would be welcomed by any enthusiast looking for a driver-quality W113,” says the vendor. “Ready to be driven and enjoyed.” Driven, yes, but maybe a mite embarrassing if the destination is the concours field.
The 230SL is often described as underpowered compared to the later 250 and 280. I can relate, having owned a predecessor 190SL that was also lacking in the oomph department. The 230SL produced 148 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. It was produced from June of 1963 to January 1967, with mechanicals based on the W111 sedan. A four-speed manual was also available, though fairly rare, and might make the 230 a bit more fun to drive. For 1964, the spare tire was moved and mounted vertically, giving more trunk space.
This is one of 19,831 230SLs, with fewer than a quarter initially reaching the U.S. But many have come over as imports. The buyer of this one could conceivably come out ahead, but SL restorations are notoriously expensive. Classic.com puts the price of a nice example at $74,208.
Swanky little car! Having driven both 190 and 230SLs, I’m going to say the latter felt more sporty though, like every other car of that era, most modern cars are far faster.
Don’t remember whether it was for the 230, 250, or 260, but recall there was an optional and very rare five-speed manual transmission as well. I saw one in the States years ago, but it was in a German-spec car that was privately imported. I’m not even sure any four-speeds came here officially.
Excellent cruising cars, and to my eyes, lovely, especially with the hardtop attached.
Once again, not inexpensive to restore, but it doesn’t get much classier than this….
I’m down with that!
The 230sl is at the bottom of the Pagoda value/desirability ladder. Later models have 4-wheel disc brakes, and more torque, and other improvements.
The 230sl, with the manual 4-speed transmission is a fun, sporty ride. It is arguably underpowered when mated to the auto-box like this one. BTW, most 230sls were equipped with the manual trans. The auto-box 230sls are generally considered the least desirable.
All Pagoda models (230sl, 250sl, 280sl) are expensive to restore. Even doing much of the work yourself, this particular car will cost alot more than it’s value to properly restore.
I have seen very decent driver-quality 230sls change hands over the past year or two between $40-$50K. Projects in this condition priced closer to $20K (even then you probably can’t break even).
If you want a Pagoda project, try to find a 280sl. They cost around the same to restore, but are nicer to drive, and worth substantially more.
Agree with most of what you said but felt I should interject a bit…
After 50 years and more then 200,000 miles with a 65′ 230SL manual (Purchased Jan 31st 1967) I have spent a fair bit of time with the breed. The car has had refreshes over the years, the latest being in 2016 when i decided to tear the car down after a 21 year slumber and rebuild everything from the fuel system to drivetrain to electrical. I did not find it particularly expensive to restore, no more then my Renault R5 Turbo or Lancia Stratos. Granted, if you need expensive bits like the grill or bumpers, then, yes, it can get pricy, but overall, a radiator hose for a pagoda was no more then for a Honda Civic.
Also, as to the driveability of the various flavors of W113’s, I personally preferred the purity of the 230SL. It has a lighter, more gentleman sports car feel to it then the more portly 280SL. The 280SL is more Bobby Ewing. The 230SL is more James Dean, granted, James Dean in a nice suit. There is something about the lack of headrests impeding vision in the 230SL that makes the driving experience more engaging. The 230SL’s have a more direct turn-in at corner entrance, likely due to less weight and the engine feels like it spin’s up the rev range more freely. And while the 230SL is by no means a “sports car”, it certainly is more so then the 280SL. The 230SL is simply more playful. The 250SL sort of spilts the difference and was the only model available with a 5-speed manny, but from talking to those in the know, the 250SL engines can be problematic. The 230SL’s and 280SL’s were more robust. My wife and I took our 230SL on some big road trips over the years… dead nuts reliable. These are tough, robust cars that belie their age.
The price is $45,900 – maybe he marked it down, but that is still stiff given this one’s condition.
The seats are likely MB Tex, Mercedes’ leather-substitute. Looks great, wears like iron, and feels soft. You can get leather but why bother, Tex is better.
Very flawed for a $49,500.00 price tag!
The Good: A “Pagoda Roof” 230SL, parts for this gem are still available directly from Mercedes for this sixty (60) year-old car. The Bad: General condition is only fair, I’d prefer a manual gearbox. The Ugly: Parts are available, but at prices that would make Bill Gates or Warren Buffet cry! Before buying and restoring this gem in need of serious polishing, make sure your income is well into the six-figure range, LOL!
Not seeing A/C. Blowing or bowing. 230SL’s were underpowered, 280’s were a vast improvement.
My mom had a 280. Great little car and she loved it. A little expensive to work on back in the 70’s
And even more expensive to work on now!
Proper SL restoration will cost you more then the best SL of this kind is worth, more then 200.000. I restored one, almost 3000 man hours + parts + car.
“Patina”. That’s rust and chipped paint?
$4950 maybe…
I could live with a little bit of scruffy in the paint and interior, these cars are so good looking you can admire them regardless. The rust coming through the wheel well on rear fender is more troubling and goes beyond patina in my opinion and would need to be addressed, and once you start where do you stop? Anyway as noted, price seems a little steep, but it would certainly get a lot closer to tempting if it had a manual.