1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Signal Red Convertible 2.3L Inline 6 62379 Miles

1967 Mercedes-Benz 200-Series Description

1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
- 2.3L Inline 6
- 4 Speed Manual
- Classic Pagoda
(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1967 Mercedes Benz 230SL on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 190 photographs, as well as a short walk-around-and-startup video, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)
"...Mercedes' most beautiful roadster...." –Automobile Magazine, 2013
That Automobile Magazine accolade for the Mercedes Benz 230SL might well have been expanded to include: "...and especially lovely in red." The example offered here in Signal red is striking visual proof.
The 230SL ("SL" is short for "Sehr leicht" or "very light) is a relatively recent restoration, but unfortunately detailed records of exactly what work was performed and by whom do not exist. The car was certainly repainted professionally, as both the exterior and interior painted surfaces show great care and remarkable condition. But before going on to other details, we would strongly encourage prospective purchasers (or their representatives) to visit our GrandRapids, Michigan showroom to see the car up-close, and inspect it in detail. While the more than 190 high-definition photographs on the GarageKeptMotors website as well as the short walk-around-and-startup video are both detailed and accurate, nothing can substitute for a personal inspection. For that purpose, we welcome prospective purchasers and we only ask that they call or email us to arrange an appointment in advance. That way, we can be sure we can devote our full attention to them and answer any and all questions.
As a 1967 model, this 230SL (given the internal Mercedes code W113) was one of the approximately 187 such cars completed that year before the line was changed over to the 250SL model. With so many of these 230SL models coming from the factory in silver, white, or other relatively sedate colors, the Signal red over black MB-Tex makes for a standout sports touring automobile. Body panels are factory-straight with even gaps, a trademark of Mercedes manufacturing of the time. The exterior of the car shows no significant flaws with the paint uniformly applied and its shine consistent across the car. Even the matching red on the bespoke hubcaps is beautifully executed. Chrome, glass, emblems, and lenses are all in excellent condition. With the exception of minor spots of slight discoloration from age, the black folding top (which operates as intended) is in very good condition.
Inside, the dashboard is a true work of automotive art. All the 230SL-specific gauges are present and functional. The classic steering wheel frames the 140mph speedometer and a tachometer showing a 6,600rpm redline, both VDO gauges. A Becker "Mexico" AM-FM-Cassette radio is in place next to the analog VDO clock. Seating surfaces display appropriate patina from use but no rips, tears, or undue abrasion is evident. Charcoal carpeting consistent with the factory material is in place throughout, with the floors protected with 230 SL-branded carpet mats in black. The car's trunk displays a refreshed, tidy appearance with the spare tire under its factory cover properly located.
Under the hood, the apparently original 2300cc inline 6-cylinder engine is complete and tidy with all components properly located. (A replacement fuel pump has been added near the fuel tank to ensure reliable fuel supply.) Rated at 148 horsepower, the engine is comfortable at highway speeds. The car's original build tags (shown in the photo gallery) are in place and unaltered. Underneath, the car shows some mostly surface rust with newer replacement single-muffler-dual-exhaust properly mounted. No significant leaks are evident.
One of the best summations of the timeless appeal of these cars more than 50 years after their birth comes from Hagerty: "Ultimately, these 'pagoda' SLs would become regarded as one of the finest cars to come from the Stuttgart firm, with timeless, graceful styling, spirited performance and handling, and build quality and reliability second to none." To that, we'd add that whether the destination is classic-car gathering or a country trip on twisty roads to see the fall colors, we can't imagine a better, more delightful ride than this red 230SL.