This 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL 4-Speed “Pagoda” is a European market example that was imported and brought to Virginia where it was found sitting behind a classic car restoration business in the early 1990’s by the seller. After five years of frequenting the shop the current owner negotiated the purchase of the SL and brought it to his garage in Virginia under the intent of restoring. Much like the previous owner, the current owner has other projects needing attention and has decided to sell. The SL is finished in original factory white (DB050) paint showing scratches, paint streaks, fading, and chipping. The interior is shown as Brown MB-tex and the inoperational odometer displays 78k kilometers. The original M127 2.3-liter inline-6 is still present and connected to a four-speed manual transmission. The seller notes the engine does turn freely and a compression test has not been performed. A clean Montana title accompanies the Pagoda along with complete factory literature, all necessary accessories, trim pieces, lights, and brightwork for restoration. 

This SL shows original white (DB050) paint displaying fading, scratches, and chipping. Original trim, lights, brightwork, and seals were removed in preparation of a restoration and paintwork but never reinstalled. Photos in the gallery show the removed items stored in the trunk and cabin of the car including the passenger door which has been unbolted from the body. European glass headlamps can be seen intact and factory brightwork doesn’t appear to show corrosion. The original windshield trim can be seen uninstalled but complete.

Original silver-painted 14″ Bundt wheels wear mismatched tires in factory sizes. The tires show low tread and dry rot. A full-size spare wheel is included in the trunk. 

The original bucket seats are trimmed in Brown MB-Tex and can be seen removed from the vehicle. Matching Brown carpets can be seen and accounted for along with floor mats, door cards, parcel shelf trim, and hardware. The cabin is in need of a complete restoration with gauges, switchgear, and ignition all present. Complete floor pans and rocker panels are included as well for a complete interior.

The White (DB050) paint-matched dashboard displays VDO instrumentation with glass intact including a 7k-rpm tachometer, a 220-km/h speedometer, and a metric combination gauge indicating coolant temperature, oil pressure, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer shows 78k kilometers. True mileage is unknown.

The 2.3-liter M127 inline-six features Bosch mechanical fuel injection and was rated at 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque when new. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The seller notes the engine to turn freely, and a compression test has not been performed. 

A clean Montana title accompanies this 1965 230SL Pagoda along with complete factory literature, all necessary accessories, trim pieces, lights, and brightwork for restoration.