Classic Mercedes Benz Heritage - W113 Pagoda SLs

When the 230sl was presented at the International Motor Show in Geneva in March 1963 it was seen as no ordinary model change for Mercedes Benz as the new two seater was designed as the successor to two separate sports car models, the 190sl and the 300sl roadster. The differences bewtween these two could hardly have been greater; moreover, both the earlier sports cars ranked highly in the affections of the public and had already become legends in their own production lifetime.

The uncomventional lines of the hardtop in praticular polarised motoring critics and public alike and attracted for th enew comer the name "Pagoda SL". Based on the frame / floor unit and major assemblies of the W111 "Fintail" series, it was the world's first sports car to feature an innovative safety bodyshell.

Production continued through to 1971 with two further engine sizes, 250sl & 280sl with numerous other changes.

• Chassis type W113 monocoque design
• Engine type: 6 cyl over head camshaft - 230sl M127 | 250sl M129 |280sl M130
• Capacity: 230SL - 2306 cc | 250sl - 2,496 cc | 280sl - 2,778 cc
• Power output: 230sl & 250sl 150 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 280sl 170hp @ 5,750 rpm
• Top speed (automatic): 230sl 195 km/h | 250sl 190 km/h | 280sl 195 km/h
• Production period: 230sl 1963 - 67 | 250sl 1966 - 68 | 280sl 1967 - 71
• Units produced: 230sl - 19,831 | 250sl - 5,196 | 280sl - 23,885