Lot 007: 1965 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. Penned 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 2308cc SOHC straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission, the model was credited with 150bhp and 159lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 124mph, it was 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 maroon with light tan upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "average" (interior trim), "good" (engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork) condition. First registered on 16th June 1965, it has been in the current family ownership since 4th October 1983 (albeit under a company name for the first few years). Reportedly "driven daily until in need of restoration" to its bodywork and chassis, it was duly taken off the road for repairs. Re-emerging in 1992, it has since been "driven as a weekend car on a limited mileage policy with service and MOT carried out regularly". Believed to have covered 128,000 miles from new, it has the benefit of both hard- and soft-top roofs. Starting readily upon inspection, it is offered for sale with service booklet ('stamped-up' until 1983), owner's manual, original Mercedes-Benz car care kit, MOT certificate valid until March 13th 2007 and historic (free) road tax until December 2006. )