1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster
Registration no. HKG 810D
Chassis no. 11304220017135
Engine no. 12798120013254

A roadster model finished in red with beige leather interior, this car is a right-hand drive example of the 230SL, a landmark model which founded a sports car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for Mercedes-Benz. Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for the 190SL, 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 all-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 230SL even managed a debut competition victory, as Sporting Motorist noted: 'Performances of the Mercedes-Benz range in the competition field are legendary, and we think particularly of participation in the most rugged of rallies where the cars have proved their strength and stamina beyond doubt. Soon after the 230SL was announced, Eugen Bohringer drove one to victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, and although competition outings are rare, this was the sort of debut one would expect from the Stuttgart factory.' 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 manual transmission 230SL was purchased in 1972 by the late Geoff Tarrant, the immediately preceding owner, as a 'high days and holidays' car to enjoy with his family. He repainted the Mercedes red (from blue) to match his wife's Triumph Herald, and used it regularly up to 1976 when the car was placed in storage. Geoff wanted to carry out the restoration himself but did not find the time until he retired, some 25 years later. The restoration took the next ten years and was carried out with the help of various specialists including Rob Lowe of Forest Corner Garage, Hangersley Hill, Hampshire. In a letter to the current vendor (on file), Rob states that FCG carried out a complete engine rebuild (including unleaded conversion); comprehensively overhauled the suspension and steering; checked and fully serviced the gearbox and rear axle; and renewed the front brake callipers, rear brake drums, brake lines, fuel lines and the radiator. In addition, the exhaust system was replaced with a full stainless item; the fuel tank sonic-cleaned and powder coated; and most of the suspension arms, covers, etc replaced or re-coated.

From FCG the car went to Nidor Bodyworks in Poole where the bodywork was completely stripped and restored, after which it went to coach trimmer K Baggs to have the interior trim and hood fitted. Mr Lowe concludes by stating that: 'In summary your car was rebuilt to a very high standard by myself, the bodyshop, the trimmers and Mr Tarrant from front to back using predominantly new components, with no expense spared.'

Sadly, Geoff Tarrant became ill with cancer and did not see the restoration finished, though he did get to drive the almost completed car before he died in October 2009. The current vendor bought the Mercedes, complete with the parts needed to finish it, from Geoff's widow in March 2010. He immediately sent it to independent Mercedes-Benz specialist Neil Cawte of Cawte Garage, who sorted out the inevitable teething troubles and got the car running properly. Neil has serviced the 230SL every year since then, keeping it in tiptop running order. Kept in a Carcoon, 'HKG 810D' has covered only 1,200 miles since the restoration's completion in 2011 and is described by the private vendor as in generally excellent condition. Accompanying documentation consists of the aforementioned letter, a two-page article about the car, an old-style buff logbook, some expired MoT certificates, a V5C registration document and a quantity of restoration invoices.