Early version: ’64 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
If you are a frequent reader, you know of our affection for the W113 Mercedes-Benz. Of course, they began as a 230SL like the car we featured earlier in the week, and went all the way up to a 280SL before the end. We had a few comments from readers that said they would be interested in the 230SL we featured earlier if it was a manual shift. Bingo. 
We found one. Not only is it a 4-speed, it is a really early car, probably among the first to arrive here in the states. It is Silver and navy blue, a popular color that is totally cool. The interior is original and in pretty decent shape. The original radio is in a box and that would be the first thing we would do. The exterior paint was refinished in the original silver so we were careful to see if it was done properly. That means have the notches near the headlights survived? We actually think they have although we can’t be 100% sure. A notchless SL shows the paint was done by someone not familiar with Mercedes Benz automobiles. The SL has an almost unbelievable 25,500 miles and is in fine working order. The firewall padding looks right, the side markers don’t, the convertible top is new and it has the hardtop. The seller is asking $55,000 and that might not be far from a real number. Click here for the eBay auction.
It looks from the photos to be a pretty nice 230SL. I might add:
1. Firewall pad is not original nor correct (wrong pattern)
2. Engine bay is painted black (should be body color)
3. Hood support torsion bar is painted body color. Why so much paint work in the engine bay?
4. Seat bolsters (the non-embossed part that surrounds the insert pleated part) look newer
5. Door panel armrests appear to have new vinyl as well.
6. Description states the “original” Becker Cassette is included but cassette players did hot come out until way later.
7. With the above observations take the statement of “25k actual miles” with a huge grain of sodium chloride….
Benn waiting for you to guide us through this one! What’s with the side marker lights???
Regarding the side markers – It looks like someone felt a need to 280’ize it (U.S. 280SL that is). Sort of like the guys who took a simply elegant early Porsche 911 thirty years ago and put flares and bumpers on it to replicate the look of the heavier 911SC or later Carrera replete with the bulging bumpers and all. Or, how about a 912 with a 930 slantnose on it and running a VW engine to boot (also with a salvage title of course) but I digress…
The side markers don’t look right because they weren’t required until the 1968 model year. It’s a bit strange that a previous owner would choose those items for an “upgrade.” Nice car, though!
Unless all of the fenders required replacement! Yikes.
Looks like a fine example. I really like the interior, I’ve never seen a blue one in a silver car. I also like the list of things the owner has done including the brake overhaul. If the other major components got as much attention then it’s prime material for an occasional daily driver in warm weather. Not many cars are so understated yet so pretty at the same time.