1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible
Registration no. OBY 48D
Chassis no. 1134222013858
Engine no. 31511966

Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for the 190SL, the 230SL is a landmark model which founded a sports car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for Mercedes-Benz The 230SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favour of a 2.3-litre fuel-injected six derived from that of the 220SE and producing 150bhp. An instant classic, the body design was entirely new while beneath the skin the running gear was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (by swing axles at the rear), disc front/drum rear brakes and a choice of four-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Top speed was in excess of 120mph. The Mercedes-Benz 230SL was owned by countless film stars and celebrities, becoming one of the iconic sports cars of the 1960s, and even managed a debut competition victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally. Christened 'pagoda top' after their distinctive cabin shape, these SL models were amongst the best-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.

This particular 230SL has been the subject of a most extensive restoration to a very high standard carried out by a classic Mercedes-Benz specialist in 2009/2010. A right-hand drive model equipped with automatic transmission and power steering, the car was bought by the immediately preceding owner for its superb mechanicals and remarkably rust-free original bodyshell. He then decided to embark on a complete restoration to bring the car up to 'as new' standard.

Throughout the restoration process care was taken to preserve the original panel work and keep the factory under-body sealer, thus maximising originality. The 230SL was subject to a bare metal repaint in Mercedes-Benz silver (LF744) while the under-pinnings were finished in satin black as they would have been originally. A new Mercedes-Benz-supplied engine was installed in 1986, since when the car has covered only some 25,000 miles (see accompanying history). Running gear and auxiliary components have been removed and restored, and the engine parts correctly zinc plated. It is worthwhile noting that the gearbox carries a Mercedes-Benz reconditioning stamp.

The tyres and stainless steel exhaust system are relatively new and the suspension is in excellent order. All the chromework, including the hardtop's, has been restored by S&T Electroplaters of Bristol, regarded as among the best in the UK. The hood and headlining have been renewed, as has the dashboard's surrounding woodwork. The interior leather re-trim was undertaken by Aldridge Trimming of Wolverhampton. Rubber seals have been renewed throughout and a new windscreen fitted.

The current owner purchased the 230SL at Bonhams' December Sale in 2011 (Lot 443). A retired gentleman motor trader, the vendor has spent his entire working life involved with Mercedes-Benz cars and can be rightly regarded as one of the UK's true connoisseurs of the marque. The 230SL is only offered for sale because he is unable to use the car as much as it deserves. Indeed, 'OBY 48D' has been dry stored since acquisition and has covered only some 200 miles since John Haynes Mercedes serviced it in 2012 (bill on file).

Representing an opportunity to own one of the finest 'Pagodas' currently available, 'OBY 48D' is offered with current MoT, V5 registration document and an extensive history file containing numerous restoration photographs and invoices totalling some £60,000. A Becker Europa radio/cassette is the only notified deviation from factory specification.