In March 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL debuted, the legendary Pagoda. Today, various versions of this car are coveted classics.
A sporty and comfortable roadster and a Mercedes-Benz safety milestone: 60 years ago at the Geneva Motor Show (March 14-24, 1963), the German automaker presented the 230 SL roadster (W 113). Public expectations were high as the 230 SL was to replace two models at the same time: the 300 SL roadster (W 198) and the 190 SL (W 121). The W 113 series was produced until 1971.
The 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL models are now coveted classics with a star. This is reflected, among other things, in the prices of well-preserved examples of the W 113 series: the current Classic Data market research (2022/2023) values a 230 SL in excellent condition (class 1) at 128,000 euros. , and 280 SL - 156,000 euros. Many Pagoda owners use the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Fellbach, which has the knowledge and experience in all aspects of star-studded classic cars.
Innovative safety in the world of sports cars
The 230 SL gives the impression of a comfortable, high-performance two-seater touring car. Its design was developed under the direction of Friedrich Geiger, combining clean lines with references to its predecessors, such as the large central star on the grille. Paul Braque designed an additional rigid roof with a characteristic shape - the roof surface curved inwards resembled Asian temples. Hence the name Pagoda.
The safety level of the W 113 was a breakthrough among the sports cars of its time. The floor structure of the 230 SL was taken from the Mercedes-Benz W 111 series limousines (so-called fenders), but was shortened and reinforced. In 1959, the 111 became the world’s first passenger car with a so-called safety body designed by Bela Bareny, a pioneer in Mercedes-Benz safety.
The Pagoda was the first sports car to use the concept of a stable passenger compartment with front and rear crumple zones. A high level of traffic safety was ensured by the chassis - also based on limousines and adapted to the requirements that the new roadster had to meet. The suspension was stiff but unusually comfortable for a 1960s sports car. For the first time, a four-speed automatic transmission debuted on the SL. The 230 SL already has disc brakes on the front wheels. Starting with the 250 SL, introduced in 1967, disc brakes on the rear axle completed the equipment.
During the eight-year production period, Mercedes-Benz consistently offered the W 113 series SL with three different engines - in contrast to the 300 SL and 190 SL models introduced in 1954, whose engines remained virtually unchanged during their nine years of operation. market. The new 230 SL is powered by a sporty M 127 six-cylinder engine based on the M 180 engine of the 220 SE. For the needs of the roadster, its working volume was increased to 2306 cm3. The unit developed a power of 110 kW (150 hp), allowing a top speed of 200 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds.
California version, better performance
At the end of 1966, the 230 SL was replaced by the 250 SL. The new version was equipped with an in-line six-cylinder M 129 engine with a displacement of 2496 cm3. Its power (110 kW/150 hp) and top speed (200 km/h) were the same as its predecessor, but with more torque, it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 1.1 seconds. In addition, the 250 SL was equipped with a brake force regulator, larger front brake discs and disc brakes on the rear wheels.
Another difference: the 250 SL was optionally available in a California version, that is, with a hardtop and a rear seat. It joined the previously proposed roadster with a cloth soft top and a removable hard top. Mercedes-Benz first introduced the rear-seat variant in March 1967 at the Geneva Motor Show. To make room for extra seats, the California was stripped of its soft top and provided a storage compartment for it.
In 1968, the 280 SL was introduced, powered by the M 130 inline six-cylinder engine with 2,778 cm3 and 125 kW (170 hp). It was the third and best-selling version of the W 113. The 280 SL accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds. Its top speed was still 200 km/h.
In March 1971, production of the W 113 came to an end after 48,912 had been built. Of these, 19,831 were for the 230 SL, 5,196 for the 250 SL and 23,885 for the 280 SL.
Source: Wprost
I am Jason Root. I work in the news website industry and mostly cover the automobile industry. I have also written for Daily News Hack. My work revolves around new car models, prices, and features. In addition, I often write about used cars and tips for buying them. My articles are meant to be helpful for those who are in the market for a new or used car.
