Lot details Registration No: FOX238D Chassis No: 113042/20/010476 Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
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 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).
Finished in light metallic blue with grey velour upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (engine), "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (four-speed manual gearbox, paintwork) condition. Said to have been with the last of just three owners for twenty-two years, 'FOX 238D' is believed but not warranted to have covered some 104,779 miles from new. Riding on steel wheels, the Mercedes-Benz reportedly benefits from a "new stainless steel exhaust system", "as new blue hood" and "original radio". A nicely presented 230SL, 'FOX 238D' is offered for sale with 'Pagoda' hardtop, MOT certificate valid until September 7th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until May 31st 2007.
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