The second generation SL began with the 230 of 1963. Designed by Paul Bracq, its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent suspension, power assisted disc/drum brakes, recirculating ball steering and a 2306cc straight-six engine of 150bhp and 145 lb ft of torque mated to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Of the 48,912 W113 Series cars made between 1963 and 1971, 19,831 were 230SLs.

A Euro specification, matching numbers car, this charming early Pagoda is finished in silver with a black leather interior. Maintained fastidiously by Pacific Motors of Santa Monica over the last 20 years, the history file is full of receipts showing the thousands that have been spent to ensure the car remains at its best. Throughout its life, the car has always been dry stored in a heated garage and driven only a few hundred miles a year. The original soft top is reported to be in ‘as new' condition and the hard top also accompanies the car.

Having covered a believed genuine 45,358 miles, it's becoming increasingly rare to find such low mileage Pagodas with desirable colour combinations as this one. With all European import duties paid and a full years MOT until September 2015, this car only requires a European registration before it can be driven into the sunset and enjoyed by another enthusiast.

Buyers should be aware that these are library images and new images will be supplied very shortly.