Hi is this 230 sl any good?

[SammyB]

Hi guys, just came across this 230 sl, and after reading through the many post where you guys can spot things that I clearly miss, being a total newbie and easily excited (ie a sellers dream) Does this car look like its worth further investigation, or is it another pig in a frock, so to speak 
I am trying to pick up and learn from what you guys have said and it seems like a slight panel gap in the bonnet/hood. Other then that I think it looks ok? I know i am most likely way off the mark 

http://www.carsauto.com/1963-mercedes-benz-230sl--c-536.htm

[Khurram Darugar]

"Hi is this 230 sl any good?"
Relative to what?
$23K might get you a decent driver....if youre lucky.  Usual rust areas to look for, completeness, interior, mechanicals etc, etc
Double the asking price and you could be shopping for a nice car. 
Internet shopping for this kind of car is a only for the fool hardy.  You need to have someone take a look at, someone who knows what to looking for.
K

[George Des]

Based on the side repeater lights, it looks like this was originally an Italian delivered version. While difficult to see, the tail lights look like they have been changed from the older version Italian ones to the newer version "squared off" ones that came on some of the later models like the 280SL. Also, if this is in fact an Italian version, the headlights were changed over to the US type sealed beam headlights. Based on the pictures provided, it looks like it was pretty well cared for from what I can see.

George Des

[SammyB]

"Hi is this 230 sl any good?"
Relative to what?
$23K might get you a decent driver....if youre lucky.  Usual rust areas to look for, completeness, interior, mechanicals etc, etc
Double the asking price and you could be shopping for a nice car. 
Internet shopping for this kind of car is a only for the fool hardy.  You need to have someone take a look at, someone who knows what to looking for.
K

Hi K, no I would never buy just based on internet pics!  Although saying that the guy I sold my 328 to, did exactly that, just turned up from Belgium with the cash and drove it away!! To be fair it was a really nice car, but he still took a massive gamble!!

[SammyB]

Based on the side repeater lights, it looks like this was originally an Italian delivered version. While difficult to see, the tail lights look like they have been changed from the older version Italian ones to the newer version "squared off" ones that came on some of the later models like the 280SL. Also, if this is in fact an Italian version, the headlights were changed over to the US type sealed beam headlights. Based on the pictures provided, it looks like it was pretty well cared for from what I can see.

George Des

Now thats what I am talking about, great stuff George you sir are a star, I'm learning already. I am hoping to be able to pick up this sort insight that will hopefully help me make the right decision when the right car comes along, and i am face to face with it armed only with the knowledge that I can learn off you kind gents  Aa well as a mechanical inspection of some sort obviously 

[john.mancini]

Very difficult to detect rust/accident damage from internet photos. Mechanically??? Who knows until it's inspected and driven. Yes, the hood gap scares me. Also, I do not see any evidence of inner fender welds, which could be a sign of previous rust/accident issues. But hey, for 23K, a nice looking four speed, 230SL. Drive it and what the hell !!!!
John

[lurtch]

Hey Sammy,

After seeing the list of your previous cars,  I am wondering why you would have any interest in our Pagodas. Needless to say, a 230SL is not really comparable to any of them.

I prefer to think that you have been dissatisfied with those others and are still seeking that  elusive something that makes motor-heads like us love our cars. Believe me, you will never find a more dedicated, brand loyal, knowledgeable group than us. We buy them and then keep them and enjoy them.  And the reason for that is: these cars have worked their magic on us and we revel in this brotherhood.

As you might imagine, getting a good one is a very tricky proposition. I advise doing LOTS of research by using this website.

Regards from California,

Larry

[George Des]

John,.

I took a close look at that underhood shot noting the inner fenders. If you look really close you will see the spot weld marks. They are not very neat, but they look exactly like those on my car. I'd be curious to hear from others who own the 230SL to find out how "neat" their spot welds are in this area. I understand later model cars may have had a nice neat row of spot welds that may have been done by a robot or other such machine. My car was purchased in Italy in 1976. It was built in September 1966. I'm the second onwer and have never replaced the fenders and the car had absolutely no rust on it or visible accident dmage when I got it so I'm fairly certain my fenders are the originals. Now I know the next question will be do I have the notches near the headlights and the answer is no since these were sanded off when the car was repainted several years ago.

George Des

[stickandrudderman]

It's impossible to tell from the photos exactly what the car is like, but what I can say that for $23000 it would certainly warrant further examination by someone who knows what they're doing.

[JamesL]

In all likelihood, it's had front end work - the battery tray is not black/grey and visible through the radiator grille. So either the tray has been replaced (rusted out?) or it's had part of the front end re-done (drivers side)

Decent price though...