1963 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

W113 Pagoda Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

11304210000015

Gasoline

1963 Mercedes 230SL - 000015 Here up for bids on eBay is this very early 230SL, chassis number 15.  This car was bought new in Europe by a Pan-Am executive and later transported to his home in Seattle.  It was sold in the early 80s to the 2nd owner here in Oregon, the car just came out of long term storage where it had been sitting inside for 25 years.  The car was originally DB181 Light Beige, with a DB460 Brown hardtop and brown softop.  Although in need of a full restoration, the car is fairly complete and has a solid trunk and undercarriage.  With the exception of the driver's side fender, all of the body panels are original to the car. There has been some speculation on the web as to the history of this car.  It carries a 982 motor from a 220seb, similar to what was used in Eugen Boehringer's Heckflosse rally car from 1962.  Boehringer's 230SL rally car in 1963 was chassis number 14 off the line.  My contact at the Classic Center in Irvine has informed me that there is no connection between cars #14 and #15 that they are aware of, chassis number 15 should have had 981 engine number 15 in it.  I have no further information than that so unless I'm informed otherwise, chassis number 15 simply has an incorrect motor.   Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available at the bottom of the page.   As you can see, the car will need some work, with the passenger side fender having the worst of it.  There are no areas of rust-through and the undercarriage is likewise solid (photos below).  The windshield appears to be original, as well as the other glass.  All body trim is present.  Sunvisors and hardware are present, hard to source items for the 230SL. The hardtop is not original to car.  It's in good shape with an intact headliner, good wood and good glass. The soft top is present and the storage well is rust free. The front wall design is different than the later production models.  Early cars also had a wood bow at the rear of the soft top frame, which this does, as well as a chromed trim strip on the outside.  This hard to find trim strip is included with the car. The trunk pan and rear panel are original to the car with all spot welds present.  The spare tire placement on early cars was by way of a storage well on the left.  Aside from some damage caused by careless jacking it is without serious rust problems, as is the rest of the trunk area.  Early cars also carried a Production Number stamp on the back of the trunk lid, number 16 in this case. The interior was trimmed in red leather, code 203, and shows many features unique to early cars.  Notice the soft top cover lid, the forward trim piece is fluted, and there is a second trim piece at the rear, a detail that didn't make it into production. Early cars had painted air vents instead of chromed, and a different facia design on the glovebox door.  The folding top instructions sticker here is placed in the glovebox door instead of in the soft top compartment. Door panels are pretty much toast, but have their hardware intact.  Notice the grab handle on the driver's side door, removed later in production.  I have just one seat for the car. Production number stamps are found on the hood, soft top cover lid (notice the additional weatherstripping feature here), as well as the transmission support.  In the 3rd photo you'll see that the firewall pad is of a different material than what came on the later production cars.  The subframe support rail shows the correct VIN stamp. The motor number is 127.982-10-013642.  The hood has been reformed to clear the intake manifold.  I have not attempted to start the motor. The battery tray has rust damage, but the engine bay walls and subframe support rails have no rust problems.  Option code plates are normally found near the hood latch keep, the early cars instead have a VIN stamp in this area. Very solid undercarriage.  The rocker covers have not been off the car, still with their Phillips head screws. Driver's side front wheelwell. Passenger side front wheelwell. Driver's side rear wheelwell. Passenger side rear wheelwell. Axle gear ratio is 3.75. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price: This car is being sold with no reserve, the high bidder wins, it's as simple as that.  This auction ends Wednesday, 2-22-12 at at 11 AM Pacific Time , 1 PM Central , 2 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car.  Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week. The car has a clear Oregon title.   You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com.  I also welcome you to visit my blog, where I write about the back stories of some of the cars that I've sold. Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Thanks for looking!