Lot 15: Mercedes-Benz 230 SL

Successor to both the exotic racebred 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupe and its humbler 190SL sibling, the W113 series SL proved more comfortable than the former and faster than the latter (a point emphasised by Eugen Bohringer's 1963 Liege-Sofia-Liege rally victory). First of the line, the 230SL was introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Salon. Designed by Paul Bracq, its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and disc brakes. Powered by a 2306cc straight-six engine mated to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the model was credited with 150bhp and 159lbft of torque. That gave it a top speed of 124mph, and the svelte roadster was universally praised by the contemporary motoring press for its performance, roadholding and refinement. Available in Californian Coupe, Convertible or Coupe Convertible guises, the last of these came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof - so called because of its gently scalloped centre section.

Finished in silver with blue upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Stated to have had just five keepers from new, the last since 2000, `CLX 643B' has apparently benefited from a lot of work in recent years including "new front brake calipers (2005)" and "an engine overhaul / new radiator (£2,383 / 2007)" not to mention "a new soft-top" and "interior retrim by Kevin O'Keeffe". While 2009 has reportedly seen the Mercedes-Benz treated to "a rechromed front bumper" and "rear brake overhaul / 12,000 mile service etc (£1,537)". Said to possess "very good panel fit" and to "perform extremely well (just been to France to see Normandy beaches)", this tempting 230SL is offered for sale with "excellent hardtop", "history file going back to 1976" and MOT certificate valid until July 2010.