GENERAL

Introduced at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 1963 as the 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 the 220SE, producing 150 bhp.

The 230SL’s body design was entirely new, while the running gear beneath its skin was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (using swing axles at the rear), front disc and rear drum brakes and a choice between a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. Top speed was in excess of 120 mph. The 230SL was owned by countless film stars and celebrities and has become one of those iconic sports cars of the 1960s. It even managed a debut competition victory in the Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally.

The owner has been in possession of the car for the last two years, during which he had the car restored to concourse standard.
EXTERIOR

The car listed here has been perfectly restored to completely original specifications with matching numbers between 2016 and 2018.

It is presented in fantastic looking recent paintwork in factory delivered white.

The bodywork on this car is perfect, with not a single indication of rust. All body parts are 100% original, and the body shell has never been welded, which is exceptional for an original European delivered car.

Almost all chrome trim has been re-chromed, with spectacular eye-watering results.
INTERIOR

This 230sl has a beautiful interior, combining classic red leather seats with red door panels and carpets. The seats and carpets have been renewed professionally.

The dashboard has been reupholstered and looks amazing. All trimmings look very clean.

The sumptuous wood veneer still looks beautiful, as do all instruments. A minor scratch can be found in the centre of the steering wheel, as it’s still the original one from 1964.

The back of the interior has been retrimmed to the same high standard as the front. New carpets and leather are found in abundance.

ENGINE

The 2300 cc engine starts and drives very smoothly.

In 2017, the engine and matching automatic four-speed gearbox benefitted from a complete overhaul. Cables were replaced and all brakes were renewed. All the correct tags and ID-plates seem to be in place.

To assure this sporty two-seater sticks to the road, it had brand new narrow white-wall tires fitted. They add to the period-correct character of this car.
The owner has been in possession of the car for the last two years, during which he had the car restored to concourse standard.
BODY

The soft top has been completely renewed and looks as good from on the outside as it does from the inside.

The bodywork on this car looks very clean and healthy. It still has the original undercoating.
PAPER TRAIL

The car comes with Belgian documents.