Mercedes Benz 230 SL Pagoda
The Mercedes-Benz W 113 is a two-seat roadster,
introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show and produced from 1963 through 1971.
The W 113 SL was
developed under the auspices of Mercedes Benz Technical Director Fritz
Nallinger. The lead designers were Paul Bracg and Bela Barenyi, who devised its
distinctive, patented,slightly concave hardtop, which inspired the
"Pagoda" nickname.
All models were equipped
with an inline six cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection. The bonnet,
trunk lid, door skins and tonneau cover were made of aluminium to reduce
weight. The comparatively short and wide chassis, combined with an excellent
suspension, powerful brakes and radial tyres gave the W 113 superb
handling for its time. The styling of the front, with its characteristic
upright Bosch "fishbowl" headlights and simple chrome grille,
dominated by the large three-pointed star in the nose panel, paid homage to the
then already legendary 300 SL roadster.
In
1963 the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, internally dubbed 'W 113', was displayed to the
public as a replacement for the 190 SL and the legendary 300 SL.
The 230’s were a revolutionary design for the Mercedes
SL model line, dressed in elegantly squared surfaces and proportions and
offered as a GT two-seater roadster or coupe. With front disc brakes and a
single pivot independent rear suspension. The 230 SL was capable of 125 mph and
was available with either an automatic or 4-speed manual transmission. It was
the first time an SL had been offered with an automatic transmission.
It was not only a fast car but also a safe car with its
use of deformation zones located in the front and the rear. The roadster
version even had a collapsible hood. Production continued until 1967. During
its final year of production there were 135 examples produced. Entire
production was nearly 19,400.
This
two-owner car has a good history record and known from new by the current
owner. The car was purchased by the first owner and used for local shopping
trips, she moved to the States and took the car, but was never used. She
returned to the UK where the current owner purchased the car.
The
current owner is a very capable engineer in his own right, but always has the
car looked after by known Mercedes specialist, with no expense spared.
The
car has its original hardtop, handbooks and service books, tools and
comprehensive service record.
This
automatic example wants for nothing and ready to drive, it would be difficult
to find a better original example.
Finished
in dark blue with red trim.
Contact: keith@classicmobilia.com
+44(0)1908 270672
+44(0)7889 805432