Want to get this Pagoda at US$25,500.00. Worth it?

[Onlinesys]

Hi All, I am a newbie and would like to acquire a 230SL from UK. However, I am in Hong Kong at the moment. Do you think it is a good car from just the photos attached? The timing Chain is noisy and was recommended to be replaced.

Thanks for your help.

http://www.justinbanks.com/6-Main.html

PS: Has anyone know the above dealer? As I have to pay him first before he actually ships the car to me

[jameshoward]

Don't know the car at all, but I can tell you that it's been sat on Ebay at this price for over 3 months without a bite. Before that it was sat on Ebay for approximately another month or more at £16,995.

The fact that it hasn't moved at, what for the UK at least, seems a very reasonable price suggests that the car is not all it could be.

From a 30 sec scan of the photos the engine bay looks like its in quite a state, almost as if rain has been able to get in easily. There are also a few non-original parts or 'fixes' going on in the engine bay, including what looks like electrical tape wrapped around the air inlet to the manifold. Clearly the body colour and dash colour differ. There is quite a bit of rust inside the cigar lighter housing which suggests to me that its been damp for a while. The boot mat wasn't lifted for any photos either which seems odd as it's a place where there can be lots of rust.

In all, it looks like a total money pit to me and I'd steer well clear. As another learned Dutch member of this site said, spend the most money you can afford on a good car in order to avoid the Pagoda 'death (bankruptcy) of a thousand new parts' (I said that bit, Cees just said buy a good one that has it all done for you).

I'd say avoid Ebay cars in the UK. Rarely does a good one crop up it seems.

JH

[Onlinesys]

Hi James,

Thanks so much for your opinon. I guess I should walk away from this Pagoda and keep looking for another.

Best,
Ming Cheng

[Onlinesys]

Just got the followin info from the Classic car auction with the same license number

Lot : 39
1966 MERCEDES-BENZ 230 SL


Photograph unavailable at present

Estimate:SOLD for £7200
Mileage:104779
Colour: MET. BLUE
Trim Colour:GREY
Chassis No: 113042/20/010476
Engine No:127981/20/006461
Registration No:FOX238D
CC:2306
M.O.T:SEPT 2007

Successor to both the exotic racebred 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupe and its humbler 190SL sibling, the W113 series SL proved more comfortable than the former and faster than the latter (a point emphasised by Eugen Bohringer's 1963 Liege-Sofia-Liege rally victory). First of the line, the 230SL was introduced at the March 1963 Geneva Salon. Penned by Paul Bracq, its wonderfully crisp styling clothed a monocoque chassis equipped with all-round independent coil-sprung suspension and disc brakes. Powered by a 2308cc SOHC straight-six engine mated to four-speed manual transmission, the model was credited with 150bhp and 159lbft of torque. Reputedly capable of 124mph, it was praised by the contemporary motoring press for its performance, roadholding and refinement. Available in Californian Coupe, Convertible or Coupe Convertible guises, the last of these came with both a soft-top and the famous 'Pagoda' hardtop roof (so called because of its gently scalloped centre section).
Finished in light metallic blue with grey velour upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "OK" (engine), "good" (electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, wheels / tyres) or "excellent" (four-speed manual gearbox, paintwork) condition. Said to have been with the last of just three owners for twenty-two years, 'FOX 238D' is believed but not warranted to have covered some 104,779 miles from new. Riding on steel wheels, the Mercedes-Benz reportedly benefits from a "new stainless steel exhaust system", "as new blue hood" and "original radio". A nicely presented 230SL, 'FOX 238D' is offered for sale with 'Pagoda' hardtop, MOT certificate valid until September 7th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until May 31st 2007.

Back to Search Results

[hands_aus]

There seems to be rust where the front guards meet the inner body.
The breather hose is directed to beside the engine instead of the inlet manifold. This could indicate problems with the engine blowing smoke.


Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[rob walker]

Ming Chen, this car was the subject of some discussion about 1 month ago and it was not viewed favourably at all. My recommendation would be steer well clear as James states this looks like a money pit. There are many dealers with reasonable quality cars in the UK try Silver Arrows or Silchester Garages websites amongst others.
Good luck.

Rob Walker
1968 280SL papyrus white/green leather
Spain and Turkey

[Chad]

This one looks like it hasn't been cared for that well by previous owners.  There are others out there.
You might look in the US for a US$25- 30ooo and then ship it over. Would certainly get much more for the money.

1967 230SL

[Kemal]

Forget it ...

Kemal
280SL Manual 69

[Onlinesys]

Thank you all. Will keep huntng for a decent Pagoda. Kind of difficult to get one from US as almost all of them are in LHR.

Do let me know if there is any reasonable priced RHD W113 available.

Cheers,
MC

[hands_aus]

quote:Originally posted by Onlinesys

Thank you all. Will keep huntng for a decent Pagoda. Kind of difficult to get one from US as almost all of them are in LHR.

Do let me know if there is any reasonable priced RHD W113 available.

Cheers,
MC

Have you thought about the Australian market? The cars are RHD.
There are forums for MB cars that have for sale areas, try these sites
http://forum.mbspares.com.au/index.php?sid=0074e2211a255a9b739065c50e05c2fe
http://www.mbcnsw.org.au/forum/

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[Onlinesys]

Thanks Bob. I shall take a look on the link. I always thought the prices in Australia must be more expensive as there were tons of old Porsches, Ferraris, Merc R129, W107 SLs shipped from Hong Kong to Australia.

MC