Lot details Registration No: 696 KRL Chassis No: 22012198 Mot Expiry: Nov 2009
Successor to both the exotic racebred 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupe and its humbler 190SL sibling, the W113 series SL proved more comfortable than the former and faster than the latter (a point emphasised by Eugen Bohringer's 1963 Liege-Sofia-Liege rally victory). First of the line, the 230SL was introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Salon. Penned by Paul Bracq, its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and disc brakes. Powered by a 2308cc SOHC straight-six engine mated to either four-speed manual or automatic transmission, the model was credited with 150bhp and 159lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 124mph, it was praised by the contemporary motoring press for its performance, roadholding and refinement. Available in Californian Coupe, Convertible or Coupe Convertible guises, the last of these came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof (so called because of its gently scalloped centre section).
Finished in Smoke Silver with black leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "very good" condition with regard to its engine, automatic transmission, electrical equipment, interior trim, bodywork and paintwork. Riding on steel wheels, `696 KRL' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until November 2009.
PLEASE NOTE: We apologise but the estimate for this vehicle appeared incorrectly in the catalogue and should be £25,000 - 28,000.
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