In 1963, Mercedes-Benz started produced the 230SL, a two-door luxury sports car built around the W 111 sedan platform. It was first offered with a four-speed manual transmission and an optional four-speed automatic transmission. The engine mated to this transmission was a 2.3-liter inline-six capable of 150 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
In order to show just how capable the 230SL truly was, Mercedes-Benz’s Chief Engineer during 1963, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, took the car around the Annemasse Vetraz-Monthoux race track. Uhlenhaut ended up laying down a lap time of 47.5 seconds. This was just 0.2 seconds slower than Grand Prix driver Mike Parkes’ 47.3-second lap in his Ferrari 250 GT.
Currently available at Delray Motorcars is a stunning example of the 230SL. This 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL is finished in Red with a black canvas soft top and black MB Tex-style interior. It’s transmission is the aforementioned four-speed manual and it’s actually a European-spec vehicle. The engine bay has been detailed, with aluminum being polished. Brand new Michelin tires were installed as well.
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