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| Description:
This lovely 1966 Mercedes 230SL has had just three owners from new, including the current owner who has known the car since it was new. He spent his summers next door to the original owner's cottage, and when he had the opportunity to purchase a car he'd admired for decades, he didn't hesitate. Today it shows 88,767 original miles, one repaint, and is one of the cleanest early 'pagoda' SLs we've ever featured. Quickly becoming a highly-sought collector's item, this SL is finished in beautiful Light Ivory as original. It's a subtle, sophisticated car that doesn't need bright red paint to attract a ton of attention. Even though they're small two-seaters, the Mercedes SL has always carried a ton of presence, and this one is no exception. Mercedes-Benz assembly quality is legendary, and in the 1960s, these cars were most likely the finest in the world. The doors still open and close effortlessly, and despite the open top, it's as solid as any closed model, especially with the hardtop installed. The repaint gives it a soft shine that looks entirely appropriate on the vintage roadster, and was done to a very high standard. All the trim is in excellent condition, including a new grille, lenses, and chrome surrounds which make the little car sparkle. Remarkably, the tan MB-Tex interior is 100% original and wonderfully preserved. Yes, MB-Tex is virtually indestructible, but for a light color to look this good after nearly 50 years is extraordinary. You'll also note that this car carries factory Kuhlmeistere A/C and an updated AM/FM/cassette stereo, with the original Blaupunkt Europa unit included with the sale of the car. Carpets, door panels, and the dash pad are equally well preserved, and the package shelf behind the seats looks virtually unused. And after all, this is a Mercedes-Benz, so everything works, and the convertible top remains easy to operate. Clearly descended from the LeMans-winning 300SL's inline-six, the 2.3 liter unit in this pagoda roadster is silky smooth and energetic enough to move the little car with aplomb. Fuel injection was still an uncommon feature in 1966, but those long intake runners help bolster torque production, and combined with a slick 4-speed automatic transmission, it's a blast to slice and dice through traffic. The engine bay is nicely detailed, and obviously this car has never seen inclement weather. Underneath, it's solid and original, with years of clean living down south. There's a newer correct exhaust system, part of the nearly $10,000 in service work that has been performed in the last 2500 miles, and whitewall radials on the original 14-inch wheels, which sharpen up the handling. Documentation is extensive with this car, including service work for the past 45 years, more than 20 original pieces of factory documentation, and service brochures on the radio and other features. There's also an original order form, two Mercedes-Benz maps, and the original carrying case. If you're looking for a pagoda SL, you won't find many nicer than this. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information,
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