1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
Former Classic & Sportscar magazine cover car

Registration No: DHJ 505B
Chassis No: 11304220003151
MOT: Exempt

• A rare, right-hand drive 230SL Pagoda that was extensively restored by marque specialist Silchester Garage
• Featured on the front cover of Classic & Sportscar magazine (April 2009 issue)
• Regularly maintained / serviced by leading Pagoda specialist Roger Edwards Motors
• Finished in the stunning combination of Horizon Blue with Dark Blue upholstery
• A 'Coupe Convertible' with both hard- and soft-top roofs, automatic transmission and power steering

Successor to both the exotic race bred 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 a four-speed manual 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.

First registered in Southend (or so its ‘DHJ 505B’ number plate would imply), this gorgeous 230SL was extensively restored by Pagoda and 190SL specialist Silchester Garage prior to being re-registered with the DVLA in March 2007. Featured on the front cover of ‘Classic & Sportscar’ magazine just over two years later, the Mercedes-Benz was acquired by its last registered keeper shortly thereafter. Configured as a ‘Coupe Convertible’ and thus benefiting from both soft- and hardtop roofs, ‘DHJ 505B’ is finished in the stunning combination of Horizon Blue with Dark Blue upholstery. It also boasts a Becker Mexico Retro stereo unit with inbuilt Bluetooth connectivity and Satnav etc that reputedly cost some £3,000. Entrusted to Roger Edwards Motors for regular servicing and attention to its power steering, distributor (2011), tie-rod bushes (2016), steering coupling bushes (2017), gearshift bushes (2019), anti-roll bar (2020) and battery (2021), the two-seater’s most recent visit to the renowned Pagoda specialist was during January 2023. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, this ‘pretty as a picture’ 230SL has the added advantage of automatic transmission. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, copy of Classic & Sportscar magazine, car cover, jack and sundry paperwork.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737