24th Jul, 2024 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
www.handh.co.u...
Desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive example
Subject to an exhaustive restoration that was completed in 2022
Very minimal mileage since the completion of the restoration and still presenting excellently!
Attractive colour scheme and worthy of close inspection!
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 either an automatic or 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.
A highly desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive Pagoda, this particular example was first registered in the United Kingdom as ‘DOL 1K’ on the 8th of February 1967. In previous private ownership from 1995, the Pagoda was acquired by the vendor, a serial commissioner of classic car restorations, in 2013 requiring attention. Much of the ensuing exhaustive restoration work was entrusted to Heritage Classics of Teesside, with the restoration work undertaken including, but not limited to, a comprehensive bodywork restoration and full repaint in the beautiful Blue hue as presented now; engine overhaul with new camshaft, big end, pistons, and the injection system renovated; gearbox overhaul; fuel system refreshed; full interior re-trim in Red leather including new carpets and a Black hood; renewed brakes with new discs and pads; and numerous renewed and restored cosmetics/trims, as well as new tyres.
The restoration reached completion in 2017, with invoices on file totaling over £43,000 worth of expenditure (with significant further expense provided), and since the renovation's completion, a mere c.600 miles or so have been covered attending selected shows and events. Now showing just shy of 76,000 miles on the odometer, the logbook has only four former keepers recorded. Offered for sale with a history file that comprises the aforementioned invoices, a copy of the data card, a photo album of the restoration, and the current V5C document. Desirable, due to being a scarce UK-supplied example, and coming to market having only been ‘run-in’ from exhaustive restoration, this Pagoda is an inviting prospect. Not only that, but a useful body-coloured hardtop that be deployed in the chilly winter months is a bonus too.
For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452