Beschreibung:

The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971. They were known as the 'pagoda roof' SL. This replaced the W198 SL in 1963 and was then, in turn, replaced by the R107 SL in 1971. All models boast an inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel motors. All are rear-wheel drive, but are also equipped with independent rear suspension, a feature that greatly improved road handling. Most of these early SL's were sold with both the removable hard top and a soft top in the so-called 'Coupe/Roadster' configuration. By 1955, Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer, Professor Fritz Nallinger, and his team held no illusions regarding the 190SL's lack of performance, while the high price tag of the legendary 300SL supercar kept it elusive for all but the most affluent buyers. In 1960, Nallinger eventually proposed to develop a completely new 220SL design, based on technology from the W112. This led to the W113 platform, with an improved fuel-injected 2.3 litre M127 inline-six engine and the distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof. The 230SL made a remarkable debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, where Nallinger introduced it as follows: ""It was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance, which despite its sports characteristics, provides a very high degree of travelling comfort."" This lefthand drive Mercedes-Benz 230SL was imported from the USA at the end of 2010 after being the subject of a two year complete body restoration and finished in a very attractive colour combination of ivory with matching detachable roof, a new tan leather interior and tan soft top roof. It is fitted with the standard four speed manual gearbox and the vendor confirms that the car drives very well. The car is supplied with a V5C registration document, a new MoT test certificate, bills from the restoration in the USA and photographs of the car being repainted. Christened 'pagoda top' after the distinctive roof shape these SL models amongst the best-loved sports cars of their day and remain highly sought after by collectors.