Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda

Without doubt one of the prettiest roadsters ever made, the Pagoda SL is also superbly well built and is one of those rare classics that you can genuinely use every day. Launched in 1963, the W113 class (as it was properly known) eventually spanned three engine sizes, all fuel-injected: the initial 150bhp 2.3-litre; the similarly powerful 2.5 in 1966 and the 170bhp 2.8-litre in 1967. Suspension was by double wishbones and coil springs at the front, with a coil-sprung swing axle at the rear. All cars had front disc brakes (and rear on the 280) with power steering from 1964 onwards, and all models were capable of over 110mph.

All looked identical with a low waistline, wide stance, fishbowl headlamps and big curved greenhouse windows topped with that distinctive dished removable hardtop – hence the 'Pagoda' name. The styling perfectly sums up the car, being elegant yet muscular and sporty yet immensely solid, a rare combination of virtues which make it a timeless beauty that is always highly sought after.

First registered in January 1967, this automatic 230SL has had just four owners from new, the third of whom owned it from 1988 until his death in 2008. It comes with a very good service history including the original stamped service book, old MOTs and lots of receipts including bills for a cylinder head rebuild in 1995, a new exhaust in 2003 and an engine, gearbox and injection system overhaul in 2007 by Tony Cridland of Chippenham.

Finished in its original colour of Tunis Beige Metallic with Black leather seats and a new black soft top, it has an automatic gearbox and power steering. A recent sympathetic restoration has taken place at much expense including a full respray, re-chromed bumpers, grille and most of the other chrome. Mechanically it is said to be “excellent with no faults.” The mileage is recorded at 100,024 which is backed up by old MOT’s and service history. The overall condition of the car is described as “outstanding both inside and out.” The original owner's handbook is also present but there is no hard top.