1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Convertible - 2.3/150 HP, 4-Speed. Estimate $80,000 - $100,000. Photo by David Newhardt, Courtesy of Mecum Auctions.

The Mercedes-Benz W113 platform forms basis for the 230SL two-seat roadster introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Produced from 1963 through 1971, this car replaced both the iconic 300SL and the 190SL to become a true success story for Mercedes-Benz. Nearly 50,000 W113 SLs were produced during those years and the car sold well in the United States, with 19,440 models finding their way to American shores. It’s not hard to see why this car was a success. Designer Paul Bracq did a fine job penning the 230SL and it is often cited by experts as one of the prettiest of the SL models. The car’s front styling was dominated by new Bosch “fishbowl” headlights and a large three-pointed star in the chrome grille that mimicked the look of the legendary 300SL. The 230SL often came with both the standard soft top and an optional removable hardtop. A signature element of the car is the patented, slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the now famous “Pagoda” nickname. Lightweight aluminum had a prominent role in this car’s development, with the bonnet, trunk lid, door skins and tonneau cover all part of the weight savings effort. All 230SLs were powered by an inline-6 engine with multi-port fuel injection that gave the roughly 2,800-pound car decent power. The 230SL had a superb suspension, powerful brakes and radial tires to make it feel quite modern next to a lot of cars from the 1960s. This Signal Red 1967 230SL features a 150 horsepower 2.3L inline-6 engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. Resplendent with a Red interior, new mahogany dash and glove console trim the car sports dealer-installed air conditioning, upgraded RetroSound AM-FM Stereo, power antenna, new front and rear bumpers, a tool roll and original jack and spare. This car represents some of the best attributes of Mercedes-Benz.

Mecum Monterey 2015