1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible

Offered new with two tops, the W113 SL could be configured as a hardtop coupe or a soft-top convertible. This White over red 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible, offered for sale by its owner, features a manual transmission and is said to be in excellent condition. Included in the sale is the original steel Pagoda hardtop, as well as a new black folding soft top. Introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in 1963, the W113 Mercedes-Benz 230SL was hailed as the reinvention of the sports car. A deft blending of high performance and comfort, the 230SL was easy to drive quickly and emphasized the comfort of its occupants. What's more, the car can easily keep up with modern traffic.-The 230 SL is one of the most refined sports cars ever,- said Germany's Auto Motor und Sport in 1963. -All the same, it deserves to be numbered among the truly sporty vehicles because it not only delivers sporty performance, but is as compact and safe-handling as should be expected of a sports car. The 230SL's four-main-bearing, M127.II, 2.3-liter SOHC inline-six displaces 2.3 liters. With Bosch mechanical fuel injection and a compression ratio of 9.3:1, the powerplant was rated at 170 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 159 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Mercedes' own four-speed manual transmission routes power to this car's rear wheels. The engine is to be original to the car and to have had no modifications. He also says, It exhibits a perfect cold start, just turn the key, and the engine runs mint. No leaks or weeps are reported from the engine or the transmission. The W113 Mercedes SL was the first sports car to market to feature front and rear crumple zones. It had a rigid passenger cell and impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure. The 230SL also used aluminum for the engine compartment cover; trunk lid, door skins and tonneau cover to save weight.This example is finished in MBZ's 158 paint code, White. About it, the seller states, The car was painted in the late '90s and is in good condition, but there are some chip touch ups here and there. Regarding body blemishes, he declares an absence of dents, but reiterates the existence of paint touch ups. The condition of the Pagoda roof is said to be all good, as is that of the glass, windows, and body seals. Exterior lighting instruments are said to be all good as well. No body modifications, nor body rust, are reported - Another sports car safety innovation ushered in by the W113 SL, the interior was -rounded,- with all hard corners and edges removed. The red MB-Tex seat upholstery shows well in the accompanying photographs and is to be in excellent condition. He cites the same for the carpet condition, as well as the Pagoda roof's headliner.As for the interior trim, the seller discloses a broken glove box hinge. However, gauge functionality is said to be all good. The Becker Europa TR AM/FM radio is cited as being original to the car, although the seller states it does not work well. The heater is described as working and no interior modifications are reported. - Equipped with dual wishbones in front, along with the company's patented low-pivot swing axle in the rear, the W113 also ran coil springs and a single trailing arm on each side. - it is all in good order. He cites the bushings and shocks, as well as the suspension system in general, as being all good. The same is said for the brakes. - no play in the steering and no chassis modifications. The wheels, as well as the wheel covers, look good in the photos. The P185/75R14 Firestone whitewall tires show DOT date codes from 1998. I bought the car from an older European gentleman who has a car collection in West Hartford, Connecticut. This White 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible represents an opportunity to acquire what appears to be a solid runner that its new owner could immediately enjoy.