1963 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

6-cyl

Manual

113042-10-000378

Clear

Gasoline

Up for bid is a very sound 1963 Mercedes 230SL. This is the first model year for the pagoda SLs and this was the 378th to roll off the factory line. Originally sold in Italy, this car made it to the state before finally settling in my garage. My wife actually purchased the car some years ago but, with the addition of a child to our family, the car simply is not being used. When my wife purchased the vehicle out of Oregon, it was registered in California as a 1967 230SL; I do not know much about these cars and learned of its true model year (1963) from some much, much more knowledgeable Mercedes fanatics. Mechanically the car is very solid. I do not know the actual mileage of the vehicle. The odometer shows 61K but is limited to only 5 digits. We have gone months without starting or driving the car and it fires right up every time without issue, without needing a charge, without smoking etc. The rear differential had lost the swing boot which, due to lack of oil in the diff, did a number on the bearings. So, the rearend was completely rebuilt with new seals and bearings and is now good as new. The shifter bushings desperately need replacing and, along with some other parts, are included with the car. Currently, the shifter is very sloppy but perfectly drivable. Brakes are good all around. Cooling system is good. Electrically, there are no issues. The radio in the car does not work (I do not even know if power is running to it). The prior owner had a second stereo installed but this was removed when the interior was redone. Cosmetically, the interior is very, very good. There are a few finishing touches (wood trim at windshield is included but needs to be redone) but is otherwise quite good. The seats, door panels and trim were redone in leather, not faux-leather, and was stitched custom for the car (not a cover kit) . The rubber around the passenger and drivers windows is original and should be replaced. The passenger side window needs to be adjusted so that it seats perfectly in the channel (it seals fine but needs adjustment). There is some bubbling under the paint on the lower portion of the hard top (close-up photo included) and a few door dings on the driver’s door (close-up also included) that I think can be remedied with paintless dent removal. The soft top is so-so as the photos show – we’ve always left the hardtop on. This car was repainted before we got it. Was a color change and whoever did it, did a very good job (in my opinion). The original color, I believe, was red. Some of the chrome and stainless is newly plated or polished, other bright work is original and serviceable with few pieces needing attention. This is not a new car and this is not a fresh ‘frame-off’ restoration. There are little things here and there and I’m certain there is even some dirt on the car. I say that as I have tried to include everything you would need to know about the car before bidding; should you be interested. The car is located in Orange County California and I would welcome anyone who would like to see the car in person before bidding (could even meet you at ‘Cars and Coffee’ in Irvine if you’d like). Please, if you are not local and you have any questions or would like additional photos, do let me know. The person(s) who end up with this car are going to be very happy they got it and I’d hate to have it any other way. On Aug-20-12 at 18:16:45 PDT, seller added the following information: [ADDED 8/20] I've received a number of e-mails, including from overseas, and thought I'd just add these answers to the listing. 1 - For international bidders, I've never shipped a car overseas but am, naturally, happy to help you out within reason. Please do connect with me in advance if you are a serious buyer so we can walk through what that would be like (to ship overseas). 2 - As for why I think it was previously red (I don't know that the VIN can be decoded for color or not) on one of the door jambs, where the light sensor/swith/plunger is, I can see a little bit of red. 3 - As for the blemishes, send me an e-mail and I'll send you photos of every blem I was able to find (with my nose practically on the car). I also have some undercarriage photos if you'd like. On Aug-22-12 at 16:57:48 PDT, seller added the following information: 2 quick things to note: 1 - I received a couple of questions about a little line/groove/eye-brow on the inside front of the fenders. I understand it is important that they are there so I uploaded an additional photo. They are crisp and present on both left and right sides. 2 - In taking the car for a pre-purchase inspection for an interested EBayer, I put about 25 more miles on the SL so please understand that the odometer will reflect very slightly higher miles.