SOLD: 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, VIN # 113042-10-008436, Bronze-brown metallic (461) over special leather interior, Hard Top, 4-Speed manual, Euro Import in 1983, 55,757 km (34,569 mi), Recent engine rebuild including new cylinder head, Imported to the USA by present owner, Records and history from new.
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This 230SL has a unique story. It was sold new on January 18, 1965 in Mannheim, Germany and has recorded inspections and registrations in Germany until the present owner purchased the car in 1982 (the present owner was stationed in Germany with the US Army). Upon purchase, he sent the car to a local German specialist for the summer where it was repainted, the convertible top was replaced, and the entire interior was expertly covered in high-quality horsehide leather. This particular ‘specialist’ was named Ernst ‘Hans’ Forbrich, an East German Lt. Colonel moonlighting as a West German mechanic. He was later convicted of spying on the U.S. Specifically, he had been brokering information for the Russians from as early as 1971. He was finally turned in by the ex-wife of a retired Army officer and arrested on U.S. soil in Tampa, Florida. in 1984 (see attached .pdf).
The 230SL is in good condition and has never been restored, having covered less than 35,000 miles since new. Mechanically it starts, runs, and drives great. Many records exist for upkeep and maintenance as well. Of note, the numbers-matching engine was rebuilt and a new cylinder head installed in October of 2008, part of almost $25,000 spent in the last 6 years in maintenance alone. The horsehide leatherwork interior is very professionally done and maintains the factory appearance. It was completed at a cost of over 6,000 DM (coverts to $2580 US dollars in 1983, the equivalent over around $6000 US dollars today). The headrests and seatbelts were added at the same time the interior work was being carried out. The exterior was repainted in Bronze Brown (461) metallic and fitted with a brown convertible soft-top.
Overall, this 230SL presents a rare opportunity to own a very nice, well maintained Mercedes-Benz ‘Pagoda’ at an excellent price. Add in the rare 4-speed manual, excellent interior, and tens-of-thousands spent in mechanical updates and you are left with a classic of remarkable value.
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