The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, affectionately known as the ‘Pagoda’, is widely regarded as one of the most elegant and beautifully engineered sports cars of the 1960s.

Introduced in 1963 as the successor to the legendary 300SL and 190SL, the 230SL represented a new generation of Mercedes-Benz grand touring excellence, combining sophisticated styling, advanced engineering and exceptional build quality. Designed under the direction of Friedrich Geiger, with significant contributions from Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, its distinctive concave hardtop roof gave rise to the now-famous Pagoda nickname. More than six decades later, its timeless proportions and understated elegance continue to captivate classic motoring enthusiasts throughout the world.

Beneath its graceful bonnet lies a refined 2.3-litre, fuel-injected six-cylinder engine, delivering approximately 150 horsepower and providing a delightful balance of performance, smoothness and effortless touring ability. Unlike many contemporary sports cars, the 230SL was engineered to offer both spirited open-top motoring and the comfort, safety and refinement expected of a Mercedes-Benz. Its sophisticated suspension, precise road manners and beautifully appointed interior made it equally at home cruising along the French Riviera or covering considerable distances on the open road. It was, and remains, a motor car designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Today, the Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda enjoys an enviable position in the international classic car market, admired for its enduring beauty, prestigious heritage and unmistakable presence. With production of the 230SL limited to approximately 19,831 examples worldwide between 1963 and 1967, surviving vehicles have become increasingly sought after, particularly those retaining their original character and presented in excellent condition. More than simply a classic convertible, the Pagoda represents an era of automotive glamour, sophistication and craftsmanship that is unlikely ever to be repeated. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, few motor cars capture the romance and prestige of 1960s European motoring quite so effortlessly.

Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 as the successor to the highly regarded 190SL, the Mercedes-Benz 230SL represented a significant advancement in both engineering and design. Gone was the four-cylinder engine of its predecessor, replaced by a sophisticated 2.3-litre, fuel-injected six-cylinder unit derived from the 220SE and producing an impressive 150bhp. With its elegant new coachwork, distinctive concave hardtop and exceptional build quality, the 230SL quickly established itself as one of the most desirable European sports cars of its generation.

An instant classic, the Pagoda combined Mercedes-Benz engineering integrity with elegance, practicality and genuine grand touring capability. Beneath its beautifully proportioned bodywork lay independent suspension all round, a sophisticated rear swing-axle arrangement and front disc brakes. Whether enjoyed with its removable hardtop in place or as an open roadster, the 230SL offered a level of comfort, refinement and driving pleasure that few contemporary sports cars could match. It is largely thanks to these qualities that the Pagoda remains so universally admired and continues to command a strong following among collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

We are delighted to present this particularly attractive 1964 example, finished in beautiful metallic red with a contrasting black interior and black folding soft top. An early-production 230SL, this motor car is distinguished by its rare factory-option rear transverse seat, commonly referred to as the Kinder Seat, an interesting and desirable feature seldom encountered today.

Vehicle Highlights

• 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda: An early example of the iconic W113 series, representing one of the most celebrated designs in Mercedes-Benz history.
• Beautiful Metallic Red Paintwork: A striking and elegant colour that perfectly complements the car’s timeless European styling.
• Black Interior and Soft Top: An attractive combination that enhances the car’s classic sporting character.
• Rare Factory Kinder Seat: Fitted with the unusual sideways-facing rear seat, identified as Option 565 on the Mercedes-Benz factory data card.
• 2.3-Litre Fuel-Injected Six-Cylinder Engine: Producing approximately 150bhp and offering smooth, responsive performance with genuine grand touring capability.
• Excellent Overall Presentation: Beautifully preserved and presented, with attractive paintwork, good chrome, well-maintained trim and a strong, healthy engine.
• German Origins: Originally sold new in Germany before subsequently finding its way to the United States.
• California History: Imported into New Zealand from California in 2023.
• New Zealand Compliance: Successfully complied for New Zealand road use in 2024.
• Rare in New Zealand: The 230SL is seldom encountered locally, particularly in such appealing condition.

History, Provenance and Condition

The history of this particular 230SL is especially interesting. Originally sold new in Germany, it is our understanding that the car was purchased by its first owner, who subsequently relocated to the United States and took the Mercedes-Benz with him. The car eventually found its way to California, from where it was imported into New Zealand in 2023, before being complied locally in 2024.

Although no comprehensive servicing history accompany the vehicle, its outstanding presentation suggests that its been well cared for. Today, the car presents exceptionally well, with beautiful paintwork, attractive chrome, well-preserved interior trim and an engine that runs strongly. Its overall condition is best described as excellent throughout, reflecting the care and attention this classic Mercedes-Benz has clearly received over the years.

Rarely do we encounter a 230SL presented to this standard. Indeed, rarely do we encounter a 230SL in New Zealand at all. The combination of its early production year, unusual factory Kinder Seat, attractive colour scheme and excellent overall presentation makes this a particularly appealing example of the breed.

Market Appeal and Collectability

The Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda has long occupied a prestigious position in the international collector car market. Its enduring appeal lies not simply in its beautiful styling, but in the remarkable balance it achieves between sporting performance, luxury, engineering excellence and everyday usability. Unlike many classic sports cars of its era, the Pagoda was designed to be driven and enjoyed over considerable distances, offering the refinement of a luxury grand tourer with the charm and excitement of open-top motoring.

Well-presented examples continue to attract considerable interest internationally, with originality, condition, provenance and desirable factory options playing important roles in determining market appeal. The earlier 230SL models hold particular interest for enthusiasts who appreciate the original interpretation of the W113 design, while the relative scarcity of these cars in New Zealand adds another dimension to their desirability.

For the discerning collector, a well-preserved 230SL represents not only the opportunity to own one of the most beautiful Mercedes-Benz roadsters ever produced, but also a tangible piece of European motoring history with established long-term collector appeal.

A Tempting Proposition

This 230SL is far more than simply a two-seater roadster. It is a genuine grand touring motor car, possessing all the elegance, sophistication and engineering integrity expected of that distinguished classification. Beautifully appointed, fully instrumented and powered by its wonderfully smooth fuel-injected six-cylinder engine, it remains a motor car capable of delivering tremendous enjoyment more than sixty years after leaving the factory.

This elegant German temptress is now displaying her charms at Waimak Classic Cars. One look might not hurt, so go on, be a little brazen, bring the wife along and discover for yourself why the Mercedes-Benz Pagoda remains one of the most desirable classic roadsters in the world.

A rare opportunity to acquire an exceptionally attractive example of a timeless classic, offering glamour, prestige and genuine collector appeal.

The 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL “Pagoda” is firmly established as one of the most collectible post-war Mercedes-Benz models. Introduced in 1963 as the first of the W113 generation, the 230SL combined Paul Bracq’s elegant styling with a fuel-injected 2.3-litre straight-six, sophisticated engineering and the distinctive concave removable hardtop that gave the model its famous “Pagoda” nickname. Early 230SLs have particular historical appeal as the cars that introduced the W113 design, while the Pagoda as a whole enjoys an unusually broad international following. Its combination of elegance, usability and unmistakable 1960s European styling has helped it remain desirable even as tastes within the wider classic-car market have changed.

The market has softened somewhat from its previous highs, creating a more realistic buying environment, but good Pagodas continue to command substantial values. Current international data places the 230SL market benchmark at approximately US$84,000, with the wider model averaging around US$95,000, while recent 1964 sales demonstrate a considerable spread depending on originality, restoration quality, specification and provenance. Exceptional cars remain considerably more valuable than average examples, and originality, correct detailing, documented history, body condition and the presence of the original Pagoda hardtop can have a major influence on price. We regard the 230SL as an established collectible rather than an emerging classic, an internationally recognised Mercedes-Benz design whose long-term desirability is underpinned by its beauty, engineering pedigree and enduring status as one of the defining luxury sports cars of the 1960s.

New Zealand Sales
Unless otherwise stated, vehicles sold for use in New Zealand will be supplied with a new Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and 12 months New Zealand registration at the time of sale.

Transport & Shipping
New Zealand transport and worldwide shipping can be arranged on the Buyer’s behalf and at the Buyer’s cost and risk. Any freight, shipping, insurance, customs charges, duties, taxes, import costs, certification or compliance costs are the responsibility of the Buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Export Sales
For vehicles purchased for export, the Buyer is responsible for determining and satisfying all import, registration, certification, compliance, tax and regulatory requirements applicable in the destination country.

Viewing
All vehicle inspections and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Applicable Law
All sales are subject to applicable New Zealand law. Nothing in these Conditions of Sale excludes or limits any statutory rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

For more information about this vehicle, please contact us Monday to Friday between 9:00am and 6:00pm (New Zealand Standard Time) on +64 (0) 3 310-6485. Alternatively, you may email us at [email protected] anytime, or contact us through the form below.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.

NOTIFICATION AS TO NATURE OF GOODS IN TERMS OF THE CONSUMER GUARANTEES ACT 1993

Waimak Group Ltd is a New Zealand registered company and accepts that the vehicle being sold must be of “acceptable quality” in terms of section 7 of the New Zealand Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (the Act) having regard to “the nature of the goods”. Waimak Group Ltd is not aware of any specific defects with the vehicle, however (a) such a vehicle being a classic vehicle may have mechanical breakdowns, electrical failures at inconvenient times and maintenance costs being part of and parcel of ownership of a classic vehicle; (b) reliability is a combination of the particular nature of the classic vehicle, how it is being driven, how it has been maintained, and to a certain extent luck; (c) because of the age of the vehicle, and its propensity to rust, it is likely that the vehicle would have been fully or partially restored, or at least repainted at some point in its life, maybe even more than once. Waimak Group Ltd does not know, and cannot give advice on how good any restoration work on the vehicle had been.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the vehicle is being sold as a classic car; that in terms of the Act and the nature of the goods, the vehicle is an old car, bike or boat, that may have visual and hidden faults, unlike a new motor vehicle.

The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Group Ltd as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak Group Ltd.

The Purchaser acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this notification and the nature of a car which is many years old.