While not quite as rare as last week’s 1967 Mercedes 250 SL “Pagoda”, today’s find, a year earlier 1966 230 SL, is a sharp-looking, non-garage dweller (and it’s a lot less expensive!). It’s not exactly perfect as this Benz has a few issues, but it’s certainly worth a once-over. This 230 SL can be found in Fort Pierce, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $36,851, reserve not yet met.
I’m thinking survivor in the case of this Mercedes but there’s not enough information to make that determination. The finish is fantastic but it’s not possible to determine its originality Is this deep shade of blue a genuine Mercedes offering? My thought is yes, but I can’t verify. Regardless, the body, trim, and chrome all present very well. The seller does state, “Paint with blemishes,
floor pans have some rust“. The extensiveness of the rust is not detailed nor are there any included images. It is stated that a new rear bumper is included in the sale and I have to imagine that it’s the driver’s side component since the installed one looks like it has seen some parking lot action. Of note, this SL does have a soft top but it is said to have holes.
Under the hood is a 170 HP, 2.3 liter, in-line six-cylinder engine attached to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller adds, “Great running condition…But drivable as is“. The driveable as-is comment may be related to the statement regarding the floors. The mileage, by its odometer, is recorded as being 77K miles, so if that’s authentic, and this Mercedes has been properly maintained, it should still have quite a bit of life to it.
Basically a two-seater, there is a small sideways seat perched behind the passenger bucket seat. The interior presents beautifully with no obvious indication of wear or tears to the saddle tan leatherette upholstery. As with last week’s ’67 250 SL, the instrument panel in our subject car is Mercedes functionality the entire way. An interesting observation is the position of the automatic transmission selector, like the ’67 250 SL, this one too is yanked all the way into the far back position. If you zoom in on the instrument panel/steering wheel image, you can see that far back is the “park” position.
Admittedly, this is not the rarer 250 SL but it’s still a very desirable “Pagoda” version with that very distinctive roofline/greenhouse. The biggest issue, however, is those crusty floors – I’d like top and bottom images. It’s great that the seller has surfaced that matter but a picture is worth a thousand words, right?
That yellow Reilly Elf in the first photo is a rare car.
And the red Capri is a 71-72 with small tail lamps.
Could be a 73 it had those lights also but an ugly extended front bumper.
’73/’74 Capris had the bigger taillights.
I had a 71 280 that I sold in 2019. I got about the same price that this one was bid to before they ended the auction. I guess I should have held on to it a little longer. I have no regrets though, it was one of the sweetest cars that I’ve ever owned. I would go out to the garage at night, crack open a cold one, and just look at it.
Bluetech320 said,”I would go out to the garage at night, crack open a cold one, and just look at it.” Yes, haven’t we all done that! Triumph Bonneville, Honda 750, custom Studdie, Mercedes 500SL, and Challenger. They were all worth a relaxing view. It is a non driving bonus to what car therapy is all about.
Whereas the -250- had a piss-poor engine, the -230- ´s engine was quasi bulletproof. So I would recommend this one all day long, even though it´s a bit pricey, what with the probability of serious rust problems.
Is the Riley Elf or Walsley Hornet for sale?
Over the last 50 years, I’ve owned four Pagodas, including two 250SL’s and I’ve been a long-term member of both the MBCA and the SL Forum and I’ve never before heard of the 250 (M129) engine called anything like piss-poor. Curious what brought about that comment…
Yeah Jon, Back in the 80’s , we serviced and did major repairs and paint on the 190sl – 280sl ‘s and others when they were daily driver’s, a 230 needed a little more care , oil and rpm wise, less bearing support, but they all were quite good really.
‘This listing was ended by the seller because the item is no longer available.’
Beautiful cars