MERCEDES-BENZ 230SL

Mercedes-Benz 230SL

I t may appear fragile, or perhaps even sedate, but the Mercedes-Benz 230SL is one tough sports car. Known to many as the “pagoda” model because of its distinctive hard top, Eugen Boringer drove a 230SL to a first-place finish in the 1963 Marathon de la Route, one of the most grueling rallies in Europe.

The 230SL, along with the 250SL and 280SL of later years, possess much simpler body lines than the 190SL and 300SL before. They also were equipped with an incredibly reliable fuel-injected straight-six engine that produced 150 horsepower in the early models and 170 horsepower by the time the 280SL was introduced.

A sumptuous interior, exceptional road handling and distinctive design, especially with the pagoda roof attached, attracted enthusiasts around the world from 1963 to 1971. And the demand for these classic two-seaters continues today. –Larry Sanata

Photos and VIDEO at right, including a detailed tour of the 230SL and behind the wheel footage.

SPECS :
Price: $10,000 to $37,000.
Engine: DOHV V-12
Horsepower: 375-420 (depending on year)
Torque: 268-341 (depending on year)
Top Speed: 173-192 mph