279 - Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, known as the "Pagode," 1966 A model with a hardtop and soft top, delivered by Charles-François Delecroix to the Royal-Elysée dealership. Gasoline, 13 CV, 150 ch, 6-cylinder, 12-valve engine. Automatic transmission. Chassis No. "113.042-12-017251". Odometer reading: 60,537 km (not guaranteed, may vary slightly). The car is in excellent condition and has been well-maintained. The vehicle has undergone extensive restoration, both mechanical and cosmetic, including a full repaint. The hardtop retains its original color. History: - Delivered in 1966 to the Royal-Elysée dealership; - Owner unknown; - Purchased by the current owner from the estate of Mr. Toussaint in 2021; - Collection from the Blois area. Attached documents: - Vehicle registration certificate; - File of maintenance and restoration invoices. Sold by description. Viewing available by appointment. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963, the 230 SL succeeded both the 190 SL and the legendary 300 SL. With this model, Mercedes-Benz pioneered a new category: the grand touring roadster. The design is by Paul Bracq: taut lines, a vertical grille with the central star, and stacked headlights. But it was the hardtop with its slightly concave roof that earned it the nickname “Pagoda.” This roof wasn’t just a stylistic flourish: it stiffened the structure and enlarged the windshield. It was equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-six engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection, which produced 150 ch and propelled it to nearly 200 km/h. Its sporting pedigree became evident as early as 1963: Eugen Böhringer won the grueling Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally behind the wheel of a 230 SL. With 19,831 units produced through 1967, it was replaced by the 250 SL and then the 280 SL. Our example is the 17,251st.