1964 Mercedes 230SL Pagoda | $800K HKD "FIRM"
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
THIS MOTOR CAR
The Mercedes‑Benz Pagoda (W113) made a stunning debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, blending sporty elegance with effortless performance from its smooth six‑cylinder engine. As the world's first sports car with an innovative safety body, it offered exceptional comfort, driving security, and handling. Produced from 1963 to 1971, its distinctive concave hardtop inspired the “Pagoda” nickname. Built with aluminium body panels, a wide track, and reliable fuel‑injected engines, the Pagoda paid stylistic homage to the legendary 300 SL. Renowned for durability, easy maintenance, and strong parts availability, it remains one of the most stress‑free and enjoyable classics for today's drivers.
This particular example was first delivered 1964 in the UK and is presented in a timeless colour combination of Light Grey over Black with a Black soft‑top canvas. The matching “Pagoda” hardtop and a dedicated hardtop stand are included. Imported to Hong Kong and first registered here in 2012, this car has been cherished by a series of custodians. The current owner acquired it in from a local collector in 2021, and the vehicle now shows 2 previous owners on the HK VRD.
Year: 1964
Body: Convertible
Exterior: Grey
Interior: Black
Driver's Sider: RHD
Transmission: Automatic
Indicated Mileage: 26,242 Miles (Indicated at time of photography)
First Delivery Location: UK
Registration: Imported and Hong Kong Registered in 2012 with 2 previous owners
Current Ownership: Since 2021 December, Road Taxed until May 2027
EXTERIOR:
The Pagoda presents in good condition, evidence of an older restoration that has been well‑kept and consistently maintained. The Light Grey paintwork shows well overall, with some rust noted in the underside of the sill, wheel well area, and floor board—a common and addressable point on these cars. The chrome exterior trim is in acceptable condition, displaying some tarnish consistent with age. The black soft‑top is fully functional, and the matching "Pagoda" hardtop (including a dedicated standing rack) accompanies the sale. The car rides on its original wheel caps fitted with regular tyres.
CABIN:
The interior is a well-kept condition for the age. The black leather seats, carpets, and headliner all present well, reflecting consistent care over the years. A non-period but "classic looking" radio is in place, and the car is equipped with air conditioning—a desirable feature for top‑down driving in warmer climates. The cabin exudes an honest, usable charm rather than sterile perfection. This is a comfortable, preserved environment that enhances the classic Pagoda driving experience.
MECHANICAL:
Beneath the bonnet, this vehicle is equipped with an upgraded and more powerful motor from a 250SL, completed in the UK and properly registered as a 2500cc car on the Hong Kong VRD with matching engine number. The engine bay isn't show-ready—dirt, oil stains, and some surface rust on tarnishable components reflect that this is a driver's example. The car has been consistently serviced, with physical service records available from the current ownership period (2021–2026), though previous records are not presented.
CLASSIC INSIDER ASSESSMENT
We quantify condition where others merely describe. Our score of 78/100 reflects a car that is mechanically honest and authentic, with the character of a loved and used classic rather than a concourse showpiece.
Exterior (77/100): Older restoration, well‑kept. Good paint overall, but minor rust noted in some areas. Chrome trim are acceptable condition. Soft‑top functional. Hardtop and stand included.
Interior (80/100): Used but well-preserved condition. Seats, carpets, headliner present well. Aftermarket radio and air conditioning present.
Mechanical (78/100): Engine bay shows surface dirt and some rust on tarnishable parts, but is relatively clean and tidy. Consistently serviced under current ownership.
HIGHLIGHTS
Classic Colour Combination: Grey over Black with matching hardtop – elegant and timeless.
Older Restoration in Good Order: Cosmetically well‑kept and consistently maintained
Hardtop & Stand Included: The iconic Pagoda roof and a practical storage rack come with the car.
Consistently Used & Maintained: A car that has been driven and cared for, not left to deteriorate.
Documented History (2021–2026): Comprehensive service records from current ownership period.
Upgraded 250SL Engine: More powerful motor, properly registered
Classic Insider Condition Score: 78/100
SERVICE HISTORY
This 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL presents an opportunity to acquire a maintained and mechanically healthy example of the iconic "Pagoda." Its service file demonstrates a commitment to mechanical excellence, with a particular focus on the critical systems that define the driving experience of these revered classics.
The records reveal significant investment across the board—from the braking and suspension systems to the engine bay and fuel delivery—making this car a turn-key proposition for the discerning collector.
Chronological Service History & Major Work Itemized
August 2022
Major Work Performed: Comprehensive Brake System & Engine Bay Refresh
Braking System: Refurbished brake booster, replaced brake master cylinder with gasket, new front brake caliper rebuild kit, new front brake pads, full brake fluid flush and bleed.
Engine & Transmission Mounts: Replaced both engine mounts with rubber buffers. Replaced transmission pressure tubes and transmission fluid.
Ignition System: New distributor cap, rotor, ignition points, condenser, ignition cable, ignition coil, and spark plugs. Full timing adjustment.
Electrical: New turn signal switch.
A foundational service investing heavily in the safety-critical braking system, drivability, and the engine's heart, the ignition system.
June 2023
Major Work Performed: Comprehensive Cooling System & Front Suspension Overhaul
Cooling System: Replaced the radiator, fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, water connection, and a complete set of 12 cooling/heater hoses. Re-gassed the A/C system. This addresses a common failure point on classic Mercedes.
Suspension & Steering: Replaced the front axle base, lower control arm rubber buffers, wheel bearing hub repair kit, tie rods, guide rod, center drag link, steering shock absorber, and steering intermediate lever repair kit.
Braking System: Brake booster mount modification, new brake fluid reservoir with mounting kit.
Miscellaneous: Replaced oil hose, radiator hoses, and fitted a new gearbox filter kit.
This was a monumental investment in the car's core chassis and cooling systems, ensuring reliable, cool running and precise, responsive steering for years to come.
2025
Work Performed: Annual Maintenance & Preparation
Government MOT Inspection (Passed).
New 1-year road fund license.
Engine oil & filter service with 6 litres of Classic 15W-50 oil.
Replaced oil pan gasket and hex screws, with an engine bay steam clean.
Replaced the valve stems on all five tyres.
A routine but essential service that kept the car road-legal and properly maintained.
August 2026
Major Work Performed: Cold Start & Fuel Injection System Overhaul
Fuel & Warm-Up System: This service focused on resolving warm start issues and optimising the complex mechanical fuel injection system. Replaced the intake pipe solenoid, cold start valve, valve needle, spring, solenoid O-rings, injection pump thermostat, thermo-time switch, and constant speed solenoid.
Cooling System: Replaced the expansion tank cap, thermostat housing, and injection pump air filter.
Electrical: Replaced the A/C blower switch and ground cable.
Miscellaneous: Replaced the shifting bushing, fuel tank gasket, and fuel pump valve.
This latest service addresses the characteristic temperament of the W113's fuel injection system, a common point of frustration on less-well-maintained cars. This car has been meticulously dialled in for perfect hot and cold starts.
Summary of Major Investment Areas
Over a four-year period, the investment in this 230SL is substantial, with records in documented specialist maintenance.
Key areas addressed include:
Braking System: Complete overhaul from the booster to the calipers, ensuring safe and confident stopping.
Cooling System: A full refresh of the radiator, water pump, hoses, and thermostat to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
Suspension & Steering: A comprehensive rebuild of the front axle, including all bushings, ball joints, and control arm kits, guaranteeing tight and precise handling.
Engine & Fuel Injection: A deep dive into the mechanical fuel injection system and ignition to deliver flawless starting, smooth idling, and optimal performance.
Yearly Compliance: Consecutive MOT passes and road fund license renewals, demonstrating the car is road-legal and ready to use.
Summary for Buyers
Why This 230SL Pagoda Stands Out:
The Mercedes-Benz 230SL is an icon of 1960s motoring, but its desirability is only matched by the potential cost and complexity of its maintenance. This example, however, has been comprehensively liberated from any such concerns by a former owner who approached its upkeep with great philosophy.
This is not a car that has been merely tidied for sale; it has been mechanically sorted. The service file reads as a masterclass in preventative restoration, with the most complex and expensive systems—brakes, cooling, suspension, steering, and the notoriously finicky fuel injection—all having been addressed.
The result is a 230SL that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also mechanically healthy and ready to enjoy immediately. For the next custodian, this represents a fundamentally lower-risk acquisition. The significant and often daunting costs of recommissioning a Pagoda have already been fully invested, leaving nothing but pure, open-top driving pleasure.
This 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL is the very embodiment of a "turn-key" classic, whose extraordinary documentation validates its exceptional condition and justifies the utmost confidence for its next owner.
Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. For more info, please contact:
Kenneth Wong
Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com
Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536
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