Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL
s/n 11304210002289, engine no 127.981-10-002138
Ivory with Cognac Interior

Representing Mercedes-Benz's trend towards producing more usable and practical sports cars, the 230/250/280SL line was meant to replace both the 190SL and the illustrious 300SL. The car was a comfortable two-seater that was to be neither too big nor too expensive, and exhibited excellent roadholding thanks to the innovative and sophisticated rear suspension design. Built to Mercedes' usually high standards and employing excellent visibility, the cars were popular and sold well, even if they lost the raw sporting prowess of the 300.

This particular 230SL is an early production car, completed in February of 1964. It was originally delivered in Germany and was finished in the color it still wears today, DB050 white with matching hub caps and hard top. The car spent many years in California, having been registered with blue California plates 1DVC700, which corresponds to approximately 1981. The car belonged to the same owner in Lemon Grove, California for 15 years from 1998 to 2013, when he sold it to its current owner in March of 2013. The car has seen considerable recent work since August 2013, including the following items: rebuilt and resealed power steering pump, new fuel pump, new heater control assembly and cables, rebuilt heater core, service cold start system, tune up (ignition points, spark plugs), fluid service, set up and tune fuel injection system, new ignition coil, remove and clean fuel tank, resealed differential, new gearbox bushings, new shifter bushings, repair idler arm, new steering damper, new trailing arm mounts, new king pins, new throw out bearing, new clutch and pressure plate, new slave cylinder, resealed gearbox, new top and weatherstripping, new seat pads, and some paint touch up and dent removal.

The car is cosmetically attractive with glossy paint and a straight body. There are some surface blemishes and orange peel on the paint on the front decklid, but the remaining paint is very nicely done. The body is excellent overall, including the inner fenders inside the engine compartment. The seams inside the nose of the car are correct and undisturbed, but there is evidence of minor bodywork in the grille surround area, suggesting a relatively minor collision occurred in the past. There is also evidence of some minor bodywork to the lower rear valence and rear part of the trunk floor. The body and undercarriage appear to be solid and free of corrosion. The chrome varies from good to excellent, with some light pitting and haze in selected areas including the door handles and rear bumper. The front bumper, headlight doors, and grille surround are free of significant aging to the finish. The lights and glass are very nice throughout.

The interior is in very good condition. The carpets are of the correct material and are like new, and the upholstery is generally excellent with some creasing on the driver’s seat but excellent presentation overall including the door panels and padded dash top. The remainder of the dashboard is very nice, including the instruments and switches. There is some pitting in evidence on some of the chrome. The heater sliders operate well, having been recently replaced. The wood is intact but the finish is showing some aging. The car is equipped with a Nardi steering wheel.

The engine compartment has not been restored and is fundamentally unmolested and honest in appearance. The visible structural elements such as the inner fenders, including the vulnerable seams that often trap moisture and rust, are excellent. The trunk is also structurally excellent and unrestored. The original jack is present.

The car runs and drives extremely well. This is one the smoothest running W113s we have encountered in recent years, which makes the entire driving experience a pleasure. The gearbox shifts smoothly and selects gears precisely, while the clutch is positive in its engagement while providing good feedback. The suspension and chassis are communicative and comfortable, and the brakes effective. In short, this 230SL is a pleasure to drive with a precise, high-quality feel that is both engaging and consistent with Mercedes’ reputation for quality and engineering.

This is a great opportunity to acquire an attractive early 4-speed 230SL that drives extremely well. The car has seen extensive recent work to bring it to its current condition and can be enjoyed with pride as is, or would be a great car to take to the next level with relative ease.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608