1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL Roadster

The 230SL, along with its later variants, the 250SL and 280SL, comprise the third generation of the Super Leicht (“super light”) models that began with the 300SL in the 1950s. This new model introduced in 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show was an immediate hit, doubling the sales rate for even the best year of the 190SL. The styling of the 230SL set design directions for many modern Grand Touring cars. Even today the lines look crisp.

Although intended purely as a touring car, the 230SL achieved modest success in the Liege-Sofia-Liege rally, proving it had sporting abilities. The engines of the 230 and later 250 and 280 series are in-line sixes; each used single pivot independent rear suspensions and disc brakes at the front. The 230SL, available with a manual or automatic four-speed, was the lightest of the series. Top speed is quoted at 125 mph.

This example is one of just 135 cars produced in 1967, the final year of production for the...