Mercedes-Benz 230SL - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 230SL 'Pagoda' 1964

The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were produced from 1963 through to 1971 with their distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof giving them their contemporary nick name. All models feature an inline-six cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel engine. All are rear-wheel drive and are also equipped with independent rear suspension, a feature that greatly improved road handling. These SL's were typically sold with a soft top and an optional removable hard top; the so-called 'Coupé/Roadster' configuration. The 230SL made its debut at the prestigious Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 where Technical Director Fritz Nallinger introduced it as follows, ""It was our aim to create a very safe and fast sports car with high performance which, despite its sports characteristics, provides a high degree of travelling comfort."" Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, who was as competent behind the wheel as most racing drivers, demonstrated the capabilities of the 230SL on a tight short race track near Montreux in 1963 where he put up a best lap time of 47.5 seconds and, incidentally, out-performed Mike Parkes in his three litre V12 Ferrari 250GT.