MERCEDES BENZ 230 SL (1965), CHASSIS N. 11304-2-10-00606, ENGINE: IN LINE 6, DISPLACEMENT: 2306 CM3, POWER: 170 BHP, BODY STYLE: CABRIOLET, THE MOST ELEGANT SPORTING MERCEDES; After the hard postwar years, Mercedes-Benz in 1952 surprised the automotive world by launching a no-compromise sports car: the 300SL, where SL was for Sport Light… With this model Mercedes conquered many a glorious race but also the respect of the markets, commercial success and plenty of dollars, which Germany badly needed. This motor car, with extremely high performance and price, was soon given a smaller sister aimed at more normal customers: the four cylinder 190SL. At the end of these models lifecycle, Stuttgart decided to supersede them with a single new model, which would lose something in terms of performance, and gain a lot in terms of elegance and ease of use. This policy allowed the new model –the 230SL- a much wider appeal and a great success: around 14,700 units were produced at a price which was still pretty high: in 1964 Italy it was 4,405,000 lire. Its SOHC six cylinder had a sophisticated Bosch fuel injection and 170bhp, which ensured a speed of 125 mph was reached, and the bodywork was square but very elegant. Almost all the cars had a canvas top and a steel hard top, whose line gave the car the nickname “Pagoda”. Not only it was fast and beautiful then, but it could be used all year round and in all conditions, as a Cabriolet or as a Coupé. The example proposed today has been completely restored. The vehicle is in excellent mechanical condition but for safety reasons, we advise the purchaser to have it checked over and to replace the fluids, filters and perishable elements.