Pagoda pricing followup -- from the source ....

[lowpad]

Took a long look at this 230SL from the Classic Center to see what a 'benchmark' car would look like: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/ats_vehicle/mercedes-benz-230-sl-w113-2/.  $250K.  Lovely car, but looks to me like the seats and dash are all of later, 'elephant skin' material and the dash insulator is the usual aftermarket style and not the correct 'diamond' pattern.

Would be good to have some original or '100 point' cars in the Technical Manual to use as references for restoration.  Does anyone know of a good source for these (with detailed, high-definition photos)?

[JamesL]

The most common reference is the Holy Grail car on Motoring Investments

https://motoringinvestments.com/listings_portfolio/1969-280sl-the-holy-grail/

No idea personally if that is what it is but apparently it’s the best we found
Full pics in their archived site(top right corner of home page)

[lowpad]

This is great.  Does anyone know of a similar 230SL (in the same level of detail)?

[perry113]

Very good points on the interior and firewall pad. It also deserves white walls in my opinion. However, because it is MB Classic they used what they furnish to customers. MB does not offer the diamond firewall pad.
Aside of this the asking price naturally reflects the over investment cost say$50,000 for the car and $200,000 for the restoration. That being said it is as nice as they come.
Back to my theory that the 230SL is the "purist's Pagoda" I foresee pricing between the 230SL and 280SL to be more similar moving forward.
What is more important to each individual buyer, the original design (no marker lights, beauty rims with rings, all of the extra chrome detail, no headrests, a specialized unique engine, no extras, no add ons) or the last of the line with larger engine and 4 wheel disc brakes.
I have felt that the historical greater demand for the 280SL also includes a factor of buyers that want original high quality unrestored newer examples. It is easier to find high quality original 280SL's than it is 230SL's, thus higher selling price based on condition.
This 230SL at Classic would be a great one to park in your dream checker floored garage floor or in your living room. Very high quality needing a few details to make for a restored perfect car. Too nice to drive.

[Shvegel]

I have some insights and a theory on the firewall pad.  The MBCA judging standard is Original or whatever Mercedes is supplying at the time.  Technically the smooth firewall pad is actually more correct in terms of judging than the reproduction diamond pattern.  I have seen a number of firewall pads of the later type that were mounted on a foam layer come loose from the firewall.  It the pad drops on the exhuaust side of the engine and contacts the exhaust it may cause a fire.  I think this may have been an issue leading to the rubber style pad.  If that is the case Mercedes will probably never offer the diamond patterned pad as a replacement.

[Shvegel]

I want that battery.