Rare Australian-delivered 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda offered at Lawsons Auctions
Few classic roadsters combine elegance, engineering pedigree and collectability quite like the Mercedes-Benz W113 Pagoda. Introduced in 1963 as the spiritual successor to the 190SL, the Pagoda redefined the luxury two-seater with its crisp Paul Bracq design and its signature concave hardtop that gave the model its nickname. Now, a beautifully traceable Australian-delivered 1965 230SL is heading to auction, complete with a rare RHD automatic configuration and an intriguing history reflected in its original ID plates.
The Pagoda story
When Mercedes launched the W113, the brief was ambitious. The new SL needed to sit comfortably between the glamorous 300SL and the more accessible 190SL, blending performance, comfort and safety in a way no other open two-seater had quite achieved. Bracq’s design brought clean lines, a low beltline and that famous roof shape, which was both stylistic and structural.
The 230SL became the first iteration of the Pagoda series. Powered by the M127 inline six and paired with either a four speed manual or an optional automatic, it offered modern road manners for the mid-60s. Period reviews from Europe praised its stability and long-distance comfort, noting its ability to cruise at autobahn speeds without fuss. By the time production ended in early 1967, around 19,800 units of the 230SL had been built, most destined for the US in left hand drive form. Right hand drive cars delivered new to Australia, the UK or Singapore make up a tiny portion of overall output, which is why local survivors are so highly regarded.
Imported European premium brands like Mercedes-Benz were niche and exclusive, often sold through specialist distributors such as Sydney’s York Motors. This 230SL would have been a prestige purchase in 1965, costing more than many suburban homes.
That context matters. Australian-delivered SLs from this period tend to have well documented ownership histories and unique specification quirks based on local distributor decisions. That makes them particularly appealing to collectors.
This particular car
The auction vehicle is a two seater coupe registered until June 2026 under plate SL2300. Its engine number, 12798122001700, is consistent with the M127 inline six used across the 230SL range. The odometer reading is not supplied here, but Pagodas of this age are judged more by provenance and condition than mileage alone.
Australian 230SLs with long term local histories tend to be tightly held. Buyers appreciate their balanced proportions, dependable mechanicals and the way they bridge early Mercedes sportiness with modern usability. The automatic transmission and RHD configuration make this one a particularly comfortable classic for local roads.
What the ID plates reveal
This car’s black and silver Daimler-Benz ID plate confirms its factory identity:
- Model: 230SL
- Chassis: 113.042-22-008880
- Market configuration: 22 indicates right hand drive with automatic transmission
The 22 code is significant. Not many 230SLs were built in RHD and fewer still with the automatic gearbox. For collectors, rarity within the production run often matters as much as condition.
Next is the red York Motors plate, which places the car’s first sale through Mercedes-Benz’s key Sydney distributor. That makes this a genuine new delivery Australian Pagoda rather than a later private import. Australian delivered SLs carry strong desirability because their history is easier to verify and they often retain unique distributor documentation.
A further data stamp suggests the original paint code was 670H Light Ivory, a period correct colour that suits the Pagoda’s understated lines beautifully. The embossed roundel on another plate appears to be a factory body stamp, a detail sometimes overlooked but useful for authenticity checks.
Interestingly, this example includes the hardtop tub and factory storage compartment but appears to have been ordered without a soft top and frame from new. Hardtop-only Pagodas exist in small numbers, usually by special order, and they appeal to collectors who view the W113 more as a coupe than a convertible.
Why collectors seek the 230SL
Demand for Pagodas has remained strong for more than a decade. A 2023 European classic-market survey noted that the W113 consistently ranks among the most desirable 1960s Mercedes models, with values rising steadily for well documented and unmodified examples. RHD cars make up a small fraction of global supply, and Australian market cars a smaller fraction again.
Collectors gravitate to the 230SL specifically because it represents the purist first version of the Pagoda. It is lighter than the later 250SL and 280SL and carries the earliest expression of the design. When combined with strong documentation, original plates and distributor provenance, a car like this becomes a very appealing long term proposition.
Auction details
The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL is offered through an upcoming sale at Lawsons Auctioneers of NSW.
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This is a rare opportunity to secure a genuinely traceable Australian Pagoda, complete with an uncommon factory specification and distributor history. For enthusiasts seeking a classic that blends elegance, engineering pedigree and long term collectability, this 230SL is the sort of car that rewards careful attention.
