In December 2002 a remanufactured (by Mercedes-Benz) engine was installed in the vehicle at a cost of $8,949. The vehicle has had only 12,XXX miles since that date and the engine runs beautifully. Also during 2002 and early 2003 the vehicle had several other mechanical issues addressed at great expense. These include:
Replace Turn Signal Switch, Replace Front Shocks, Adjust front Wheel Bearing, Adjust Breaks, Major Tune Up, Heilcoil Door Handel and Lock Assembly, Left and Right Motor Mount and Transmission Mount, Steering Coupling, Injection Pump rebuilt, Repaired Tachometer, Repaired Water Pump, Repaired Exhaust System, Valve Adjustment, U Joints / Mount / Bearing. Total Cost of $15,107 (including new engine).
The vehicle received a new, high quality Stay-Fast Cloth Top in 2005. Which was professionally fitted to the frame. Recent required work has been limited to a new battery, a new shift linkage bushing and new rubber weather seals on the trunk lid and doors. Due to a minor “parking-lot” incident a replacement passenger-side headlight and passenger-side front bumper were required. In order to maintain a consistent patina, a pair of original U.S.-Style headlight assemblies were purchased from an individual who removed them from his vehicle in 1967 in favor of the European-Style headlights (they had been in dry storage ever since). An appropriate after market complete front bumper was also fitted to vehicle at the same time (see photos).
The vehicle is fitted with an after-market Nardi wood steering wheel (see photo) but the original white steering wheel is included (it has cracks in the usual places and would require some attention).
This vehicle is a joy to drive and it runs beautifully (starts easily and ‘cleanly’). This is a good quality example of an un-molested early 230SL and would make a fine daily driver – this is not a show car, (but with minor attention to cosmetics and interior carpeting this 230SL would be an extraordinarily fine example). This vehicle starts, runs, shifts and stops the way that it should and it is a wonderful example of a truly classic vehicle that you can enjoy driving - TODAY!
Given the current weakness of the U.S. Dollar versus the Euro, and the very high cost of these vehicles on the European Continent, an international buyer is in a position to “repatriate” this fine example at a savings over a local purchase. Shipping/Delivery (cost and arrangement) is the sole responsibility of the Buyer, but the Seller will assist locally when possible. Sample shipping costs (quoted earlier this year) to mainland Europe from Denver are:
Denver to Frankfurt USD$2,095
This is an “As-is” / “Where-is” sale subject to the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Colorado so please ask questions or request additional photos. I am not a Mercedes expert but I will endeavor to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible.
Buyer will be provided with all paper work in Seller’s possession which includes:
*The original Owners Manual in German-English-French
*The original Warranty Card
*The original 1964 edition Spare Parts Catalogue
*The original Mercedes-Benz Service Manual denoting the authorized service centers across the world – with fold out map
*The invoice from 1968 sale and
*Several service receipts from 2002 and 2003
A clean Colorado (USA) title will be provided as well as a Bill of Sale from Seller to Buyer.
VIN 113042-125-012307
Motor No. (original) 127981-12-002712
Price: USD$39,995 or best reasonable offer
Please email me with any questions: stout2619@msn.com
Thank you,
Ted Jacobs
Specifications for the Mercedes-Benz 230SL:
The 230SL, along with its later variants, the 250SL and 280SL, comprise the third generation of the Super Leicht (“super light”) models that began with the 300SL in the 1950s. This particular model introduced in 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show was an immediate hit, doubling the sales rate for even the best year of the 190SL. The styling of the 230SL set design directions for many Grand Touring cars of the era. Even today the lines are crisp. The 230SL had a beautifully proportioned sports body which had two comfortable seats (a third, sideways facing seat was a popular SL option, although not included on this specific example) and fitted with a distinctive (Pagoda Roof) removable Hardtop.
The 230SL uses a 2281cc, in-line six cylinder engine which produced 150bhp. The engine featured fuel injection and could be special ordered with an optional automatic transmission – which this example is fitted with. The 230SL (as well as the 250 and 280) used single pivot independent rear suspensions and disc brakes at the front. The 230SL was the lightest of the 230 – 280 series. Top speed was quoted at 125 mph although the speedo registers 140 mph.
Although intended purely as a touring car, the 230SL achieved modest success in the Liege-Sofia-Liege rally, proving it had sporting abilities. The attractive "SL" sportscars were highly regarded when new and are have remained sought-after classics ever since.
Engine
Capacity Config Model
2281cc S6 OHC Mercedes S6
Performance
Top Speed MPG
125mph 22mpg (as originally tested)
Brakes
Front Rear
Disc Drum