3 Pointed Stars to Shine at Shannons

SYDNEY – Jan 23, 2013: A trio of sporting Mercedes-Benz SL models spanning nearly 50 years will go under the hammer at Shannons Sydney Summer Classic Auction on February 4.

The most appealing for classic SL enthusiasts is a ‘no reserve’ 1964 Mercedes-Benz ‘Pagoda roof’ 230SL Convertible that has been in the same family for 34 years, with its indicated 81,000 mileage believed to be genuine.

Originally delivered in Australia through Sydney’s York Motors, this white with red vinyl interior 2.3-litre six cylinder SL features the desirable combination of hard and soft tops and comes with a receipt file and owner's manual.

According to Shannons, the car runs well and with some cosmetic attention and paint work could be returned to a lovely driving, elegant classic.

It is expected to sell with no reserve in the $35,000-$45,000 range.

At the other end of the SL spectrum is a stunning silver, original right hand drive 1993 model SL600 Convertible that has covered just 133,000km since new.

This former top of the range Mercedes-Benz sports model boasts a storming 6.0-litre V12 engine, adaptive dampers, full blue leather interior with removable hard top, in addition to its folding soft top and is also fitted with the then-optional five-spoke AMG alloy wheels.

When delivered new by Lanes Motors of Melbourne in 1993 it cost its original owner around $360,000, however Shannons are quoting a guiding range of a fraction of that – $30,000-$40,000.

Potentially even more affordable than both is another Australian-delivered SL – a 1985 model 380SL showing an indicated 181,000km that is believe to have had three owners from new.

Still sporting its original nautical blue metallic paint with pebble leather interior and factory blue cloth soft top in excellent condition, the car presents well on its alloy wheels.

The 107 series Mercedes-Benz SL models have a reputation for reliability and longevity and this locally-delivered V8-engined 380SL represents a very attractive and affordable entry into SL ownership at its estimated selling range of $22,000-$26,000.