Nice color: ’66 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
We have quite a few loyal readers who know a lot about these beautiful SLs. So we always get a little nervous when we single one out for a featured listing. But we really like the back story on this one and more importantly, the color combination. It is not a show car and we get that. The seats are showing signs of age and the soft top needs attention. It was refinished in the original color 20 years ago and it is impossible to tell the quality from a few photos. 
That is always the case. But we can get a feeling whether or not the car is worth a second look. When the car was refinished, someone smart told the shop (or perhaps the shop was experienced to know on their own) that the headlight notches need to be preserved. They were on this car hence our vote for a second look. It is also a one owner car so many of the important documents are still with it. The car has been in storage since 1999 and will need additional sorting out to be totally reliable again. Bidding on this one seems to be pretty active so there are others like us who agree the bones are good enough to make a nice car. Again, great equipment and great color combination. We like it. Click here for the eBay listing.
Further comments: Previously I meant to respond to the ‘first’ commentator’s comment on side markers rather than the second.
The color code from the body tag for the main part of the body is ‘190’ which is graphite gray and is a non-metallic color but this looks metallic from the close up photo of the ‘notch’. Also the other body color code on the plate is 158 so the hard top and hubcaps should be White-Gray. This is a ‘two color code’ car.
We knew we would learn something from you!
To the second reply, I don’t think 230’s had side markers like the post-68 U.S. 280’s did.
If it has been an Italian import it might have had the small round markers specific to that country but I think this is a U.S. car.
If it were a 4 speed I’d be all over this one.
Stunning colour. 230SLs are my personal favourites, though the lack of side markers on this one tells me it didn’t undergo just a simple repaint. If I were to buy one I’d look for a manual, as the 230 is clearly the best match among 113-chassis cars for the 4 speed. My dad used to have a 250 with a stick, and the short gearing didn’t really match the relaxed driving style expected from a Pagoda. In the 230’s case the engine is much more rev-happy due to shorter stroke, so the manual makes more sense. I like the interior, it might not be finished to a concours level but I wouldn’t be afraid to sit in there on long journeys. If the mechanical condition is as good as the body (the fuel injection system is a pain to set up) then it might be a good buy. I’d use it as an occasional daily driver and leave it mostly as-is. You have to love Pagoda’s body lines, Paul Bracq did a spectacular job with this one…