Mercedes-Benz 230 SL For Sale With Just 54,282 Miles

Step back in time with this 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, now available with just 54,282 original miles on Exotic Car Trader.
 

A classic Mercedes in every sense of the word
Mercedes-Benz’s classic lineup is full of nothing but head-turners, with its SL models being some of the most recognizable. The 230SL isn’t quite the headline-maker that the 300SL is, but the “Pagoda” Mercedes, so-called for its slightly concave hardtop, still deserves praise in its own right. If you feel the same way, this particular one is for sale on Exotic Car Trader, and you can check out the listing by clicking here.
 
Production of the Mercedes-Benz 230SL ran from 1963 to 1967, with a 2.3L M127.II inline-six engine making 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque through either a 4-speed manual or automatic transmission. The engine was based on the M180 inline-six but featured several modifications needed to boost output, like a higher compression cylinder head, bigger valves, a modified camshaft, and a fuel injection pump with six plungers. To further ensure this luxury roadster could glide across the road as smoothly as possible, the hood, trunk lid, door skins, and tonneau cover were made of aluminum to reduce weight. Out of the 19,831 230SLs produced, less than a quarter were sold here in the US.
 

This 230SL is finished in Creme over an Ivory leather interior with two seats, a carpeted luggage area behind them, and the classic Mercedes-Benz instrumentation. The dashboard is free of cracks or defects and even houses the original Becker radio and analog clock. It looks like an extremely cozy and comfortable place to be, the perfect kind of cabin for a grand touring kind of trip.
 
Thinking about selling your car?
Under the hood of this one is a more powerful, rebuilt 280 cu in engine, presumably out of a Mercedes-Benz 280SL. If it is that engine, then it should make 168 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque through the 4-speed automatic transmission it’s made to. The entire car rides on front and rear coil springs with power-assisted recirculating ball steering, with the power part being an available option.
 

Final thoughts
The Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda is highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors, and you’ll be hard-pressed not to find one driving around Monterey Car Week or similar automotive events. The fact that this example has a later, more powerful engine swapped into it might make it lose some points to those who prefer an original, untouched example. Those who prefer having more power over a numbers-matching car, though, will find themselves right at home with this one.
 
According to the Hagerty Valuation Tool, prices for 230SLs have been steadily decreasing, with one in Excellent condition commanding around $90,500 and one in Good condition bringing about $56,700. The fact that this low-mileage example is only going for $49,950 makes it a relative bargain if, again, you don’t care about the engine swap. No information is provided about the engine swap or the rebuild, so we’d get some more information on that from the seller before getting your wallet out. That said, if you imagine a cross-country road trip at the helm of this 230SL, you’ll understand why enthusiasts yelp in excitement whenever one drives by and why this one should excite you.