This 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda is accompanied by original delivery paperwork and an extensive ownership history. Featuring the original factory, matching numbers hardtop, power steering and an additional rear jump seat. Powered by a naturally aspirated, fuel-injected 2.3 litre inline-six, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The odometer currently shows 21,976 miles* indicated, with the true mileage unknown.

Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the W113-series 230 SL succeeded both the 190 SL and 300 SL, combining six-cylinder performance with touring comfort. Its distinctive concave removable hardtop earned the model its “Pagoda” nickname, while its body incorporated a rigid passenger compartment and front and rear crumple zones.

Finished in white with a contrasting burgundy hardtop and wheel centres, this example retains American-market headlights and bumper overriders. The interior combines burgundy upholstery and carpets with a body-coloured dashboard, an ivory-coloured steering wheel, a Becker radio and a floor-mounted automatic selector. Further features include the additional “Kinder” jump seat, a folding soft top and retractable lap-sash seatbelts. The seller identifies the power steering as a factory option and advises that the original engine, bonnet, doors, boot lid and matching-number hardtop remain with the car.

The supplied history records delivery through American Service Centre in Arlington, Virginia, on 11 November 1965 to Dr Thomas Saaty. The car subsequently passed to his son John in the late 1980s and relocated to California. Two further Californian owners are identified before its importation into Australia in August 2018. The current owner acquired the Mercedes-Benz in November 2020 and reports using it regularly, typically three or four days each week. Original order documentation, a registration certificate and sales invoice accompany the vehicle, together with early photographs supplied by the first owner’s family.

Maintenance during the current ownership has been undertaken by McKernan Restorations in Brisbane. The most recent service reportedly included replacement fuel injectors and spark plugs, together with tuning. Other work includes a radiator re-core, conversion from points to electronic ignition, fuel-tank cleaning and replacement of the fuel-level sender. A collection of historical service invoices and records accompanies the car.

The seller describes the Mercedes-Benz as a regularly driven example with age-related wear. It was reportedly painted red during the early 1980s before being returned to its original white around 1988, with that paintwork remaining today. The factory hardtop and wheel centres were subsequently refinished in burgundy. The engine bay has also been repainted in an off-white shade that differs from the exterior, and the underside received a protective coating while the car was in the United States.

Disclosed cosmetic imperfections include thinning paint, minor marks, some overspray on door seals and wear to the steering wheel and dashboard. The seller describes the chrome as being in good condition and reports no visible rust. The seats are described as original and undamaged, although the passenger-side carpet is threadbare following moth damage. The soft-top fabric has been replaced during the car’s life, and the seller reports that its rear window remains clear and the roof is watertight. The left rear light appears to have been replaced previously; the circumstances are unknown.

The fuel gauge does not read correctly despite replacement of its sender, although the low-fuel warning light reportedly operates. The heater has been bypassed, the interior fan operates but is described as noisy, and the Becker radio has recently stopped working. The dashboard clock is reported to operate and keep time.

Included with the sale are the removable hardtop, original Mercedes-Benz tool roll and tools, owner’s manual and accompanying books, delivery paperwork, historical service invoices, receipts and photographs. The Queensland 65SL number plates are not included but may be available by separate negotiation with a Queensland buyer.

As per Trading Garage Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage has completed the following checks bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is currently registered in Queensland until 17 November 2026. The supplied PPSR search dated 4 November 2026 records no security interests against the chassis number and does not record the vehicle as written off or stolen.