1966 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

230 Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadsteer "Pagoda" The wonderful SL Pagoda legend was born with the 230SL, it epitomizing all that is good about automotive design. Few cars have ever been this pretty, nor enjoyed the heritage of its forebears, as was the case in 1963 when Mercedes Benz launched the 230SL. Of course the linage of the Pagoda goes back to the 300SL, a production car that was not meant to be, given the company had really only designed the car for racing purposes. It was the far sighted Daimler-Benz General Director Wilhelm Haspel who gave the green light for the SL’s production, he being convinced by U.S. importer Max Hoffman that there was a market for the race-track special. The man who designed the Pagoda, Paul Baraq has a manual 230SL The 230, 250 and 280 SL model Mercedes are still regarded today as the pinnacle of German styling, quality and engineering. Today these wonderful Mercedes' have a huge following and are very popular with discerning collectors, both men and women. Always popular with women, these fabulous cars boasted fine handling and road holding. The SL designation (or "Super Light") was first used on the more powerful Mercedes 300SL "Gull wing" and 300SL "Roadster" of the 1950's, although these models were far heavier than their later counterparts. Initial production of the 230 SL commenced in March 1963 with a removable "Pagoda" steel roof panel and a 150bhp straight six engine with Bosch injection. Although the engine was "borrowed" from the 220 SE, Daimler Benz engineers extensively modified it by boring it out to 2,306 cubic centimeters (roughly 140 cubic inches), then adding unique manifolding, a more aggressive cam and bigger valves. The braking system featured a two-circuit servo with discs at the front and drums at the rear. Power steering was also available as an option, but the feature for which it is most famous is the one you are least likely to see on a sunny day - the slightly converse hard-top that gave the car its now famous nick name "Pagoda". Much maligned, (although probably because it was little understood), was the 230SL's swing axles- dubbed "single-low-pivot". The suspension featured a strut suspended from the body that supported a single joint close to the differential. Long half-axles, each located by a trailing arm and sprung by a coil, extended to each wheel, pivoting on this nearly central point. Combined with the wide rear track, the long half-shafts minimized camber change in cornering, allowing smooth and predictable handling. The 230SL for sale here is a well cared for example. Low mileage. It comes with both the hard top and canvas soft top, and is equipped with the very dasirable 4 speed manual transmission. The engine compartment is nice and clean.The engine has been properly restored. The body is excellent. The sides are nice and straight. The trunk is nice and with the clean. Tires are nice. clear title. If you have been looking for a nice Mercedes-Benz 230SL, here's your chance to get a superb car with 2 tops and a 4 speed manual transmission. Needs interior restoration. Call me for more info at 503-705-5225 Note- I'm running this add locally if anyone buys it from the local listing i have the right to reserve and delete this add.