60 years ago, the German manufacturer presented Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W113) was first presented to the public at the Geneva Motor Show, which took place from March 14 to 24, 1963. This model called “Pagoda” was highly anticipated as it replaced no less than two cars: Mercedes 300 SL Roadster (W198) and 190 SL (W121).

Today, the Mercedes 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL are desirable collector models with a very high market rating: for example, according to a recent market study by Classical data for 2022/2023 a 230 SL W 113 in excellent condition sells for around €128,000 and a 280 SL for around €156,000!

Mercedes-Benz SL Pagode: safety-focused design

In 1963, the 230 SL was the benchmark for two-seater touring cars: it was comfortable and efficient, with styling implemented by Friedrich Geiger’s teams. It stands out for its clean lines and the large Mercedes logo embedded in the center of the grille. Its nickname “Pagoda” is due to the shape of its additional rigid roof, which had an inwardly curved roof surface, reminiscent of the shape of Asian temples.

But Mercedes-Benz SL Pagode W113 stood out first of all for its own high level of security, a revolution for sports cars at the time. The chassis of the 230 SL is borrowed from Mercedes sedans of the W111 generation, shortened and strengthened compared to the four-door versions. Thus, the Pagode became the first sports car to benefit from a front and rear crumple zone interior design.

The chassis, borrowed from the sedan, has a high level of safety, adapted to the requirements of the roadster: the suspension is quite stiff, but almost comfortable for a sports car of the 1960s. And for the first time on the SL, an optional four-speed automatic transmission appeared, as well disc brakes on the front wheels. Starting with the 250 SL version introduced in 1967, rear disc brakes were added to the safety equipment.

Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda: 48,912 units produced

For eight years of career no less 3 engines were offered on the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagode: version 230SL and its 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine developing 150 horsepower. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds, and the maximum speed was 200 km/h.

At the end of 1966, 250SL replaced the 230 SL. Its 2.5-liter straight-six engine still offered 150 horsepower, but a top speed of 200 km/h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 10 seconds and there was a brake distributor as well as 4 brake discs. Finally, 280SLwith a 2.8-liter straight six-cylinder engine, appeared in 1968. It now offers 170 horsepower for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 9 seconds and a top speed of 200 km/h.

The Mercedes-Benz SL Pagode W113 was produced until March 1971, in total 48,912 units were produced. The 230 SL represented 19,831 units, the 250 SL was the rarest with 5,196 units, and the most popular 280 SL produced 23,885 units.