1966 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

230SL Convertible

6 cyl

Automatic

113042-125-012307

Clear

Gasoline

Up for auction is a very solid, three-owner, 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Automatic (4-speed) Convertible – soft top and “Pagoda” (hard top included). The vehicle was factory finished in green with a black hardtop, black MB-Vinyl seats and tan carpets. This vehicle is in extremely good mechanical condition and in ‘un-molested’ form (save for an after-market Blaupunkt cassette deck, an after-market electronic radiator fan to assist in engine cooling and an after-market – but period correct - Nardi wood steering wheel. The original Becker Radio has been lost, but the original white steering wheel is included – though it need to be restored). This vehicle was originally delivered by Mercedes-Benz of North America, Inc (in Fort Lee, New Jersey) to Jonathan T. McLane of Millbrook, New York on September 15, 1965 (for model year 1966). On July 9, 1968, the vehicle was purchased in Virginia by Mr. Bernard H. Thorn of Denver, Colorado for $4,125. In 2007 I purchased the vehicle on consignment and have enjoyed it for several years. I am now offering the vehicle for sale because there is no space in it for my young son and the ‘reality’ of a 5 year boy being in my life has settled in. This is a good solid example of a 230SL that is in good (but not excellent) condition. The car had a new engine installed in 2002 and it starts on the first turn of the key with no issues and no misfires (see video). It is a straight body example, with no known accident history. The glass is in good condition, but there is a small rock-chip on the windshield (see photos). All the body lines are correct and the doors, hood and trunk lid have tight gaps and proper alignment. This car is not concourse, but it is a great car for someone looking for a clean, attractive car that can be driven form the first day without issues. It has a brand new battery and brand new tires. The soft top is in good condition but the hard (pagoda) top could use a repaint – the top has crazed and cracked (not sure if there was a bad paint job in the top’s past or not – but it could use attention if you intend on leaving it on the car). In December 2002 a remanufactured (by Mercedes-Benz) engine was installed in the vehicle at a cost of $8,949. The vehicle has had less than 13,000 miles since that date and the engine runs beautifully. Also during 2002 and early 2003 the vehicle had several other mechanical issues addressed at great expense. These include: Replace Turn Signal Switch, Replace Front Shocks, Adjust front Wheel Bearing, Adjust Brakes, Major Tune Up, Heilcoil Door Handel and Lock Assembly, Left and Right Motor Mount and Transmission Mount, Steering Coupling, Injection Pump rebuilt, Repaired Tachometer, Repaired Water Pump, Repaired Exhaust System, Valve Adjustment, U Joints / Mount / Bearing. Total Cost of $15,107 (including new engine). The vehicle received a new, high quality Stay-Fast Cloth Top in 2007 which was professionally fitted to the frame. Recent required work has been limited to a new battery, a new shift linkage bushing and new rubber weather seals on the trunk lid and doors. Due to a minor “parking-lot” incident a replacement passenger-side headlight and passenger-side front bumper were required. In order to maintain a consistent patina, a pair of original U.S.-Style headlight assemblies were purchased from an individual who removed them from his vehicle in 1967 in favor of the European-Style headlights (they had been in dry storage ever since). An appropriate after market complete front bumper was also fitted to vehicle at the same time – see photos. The vehicle is fitted with an after-market Nardi wood steering wheel (see photo) but the original white steering wheel is included (it has cracks in the usual places and would require some attention). VIN 113042-125-012307 Motor No. (original) 127981-12-002712 This vehicle is a joy to drive and it runs beautifully (starts easily and ‘cleanly’). This is a good quality example of a fairly un-molested early 230SL and would make a fine daily driver – this is not a show car, (but with a little attention to cosmetics and interior carpeting this 230SL would be an extraordinarily fine example). This vehicle starts, runs, shifts and stops the way that it should and it is a wonderful example of a truly classic vehicle that you can enjoy driving - TODAY!. A non-refundable deposit equal to10% of the purchase price (in U.S. Dollars) is due via wire transfer within 7 days of the closing of the auction and the remainder of the U.S. Dollar price is due via wire transfer 48 hours before scheduled pick-up. Buyer will have 45 days to schedule pick-up or make other arrangements. If the transaction is not completed by that date (or if other arrangements have not been made) the Seller reserves the right to resell the vehicle (the deposit will be retained). This is an “As-is” / “Where-is” sale subject to the laws of the United States and the laws of the State of Colorado so please ask questions prior to bidding – I am not a Mercedes expert but I will endeavor to answer your questions as thoroughly as possible. Please only bid if you intend to complete the transaction. Buyer will be provided with all paper work in Seller’s possession which includes: The original Owners Manual in German-English-French The original Warranty Card The original 1964 edition Spare Parts Catalogue The original Mercedes-Benz Service Manual denoting the authorized service centers across the world – with fold out map The invoice from 1968 sale and Several service receipts from 2002 and 2003 A clean Colorado (USA) title will be provided as well as a Bill of Sale from Seller to Buyer. Thank you very much for looking and good luck in bidding. On Jul-07-12 at 15:09:55 PDT, seller added the following information:I was unable to upload the video. Please send me a Message with your email address if you would like a video clip of the car starting, running and shutting down - starts easily, no misfires and running cleanly and smoothly.