"Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1963, the 230 SL was a very different car to its predecessors. Intended as the replacement for the 190 SL, the 230 SL abandoned the four-cylinder engine in favour of a 2.3 litre fuel-injected six cylinder engine, producing 150bhp. The new engine was derived from that of the great 220 SE. The Paul Bracq penned body was an all new, stylish design which became an instant classic. Beneath the skin, the running gear was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring independent suspension, disc brakes on the front and rear drums. Top speed was in excess of 120mph. Soon after the 230 SL 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. These SL models were amongst the most-loved sports-tourers of their day and continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
This lefthand drive Mercedes-Benz is thought to be a European specification example which found its way to Guernsey. The history folder contains invoices issued by MB Jacksons in St. Peters Port from 1972 through to 1985. At 66,680 miles the engine was fully rebuilt by MB Jacksons; this included a rebore, new pistons, new cylinder head and crankshaft bearings. The car then found its way to the US where it appeared to live until 2001. It was then stored for a lengthy period and eventually the current vendor purchased the 230 SL in 2010. A fastidious and knowledgeable car enthusiast, he has invested significant sums to ensure this example presents in very good order. The work commissioned by him included a new fuel tank, new injectors and a reconditioned delivery pump. In addition to this, the manual gearbox was overhauled, the brake system was also overhauled as was the suspension. The result of this is a 230 SL Pagoda that is a very well sorted example. Supplied with a V5C registration document and a full years MoT test certificate together with an interesting history folder, this Mercedes-Benz is finished in metallic burgundy with grey leather trim and is supplied with a hardtop.
Photographs courtesy of Luke Papworth from Hampshire Photography"