Spa-Sofia-Liège Rally, 27 to 31 August 1963. The eventual winners Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser with the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) and starting number 39 on the gravel tracks of the Karst region near today's Podgorica in Montenegro, then Titograd in what was then Yugoslavia, one of the worst sections of the route. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: U17265)
Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113)
Memorable: What an unconventional nickname for a car: “Pagoda”. The name was coined a long time ago for the Mercedes-Benz SL model series 113. This SL was called “Pagoda” for the first time in Italy, recalls former chief designer Bruno Sacco.
Style icon: The name “Pagoda” is based on the sports car’s characteristic hardtop, which is slightly curved inwards and is reminiscent of Asian temples. The shape was designed by Paul Bracq, who became the first designer in the “Main Department for the Development of Car Bodies” at the Sindelfingen plant in March 1957. The pagoda roof is a stroke of luck for the image and design of the sports car. And of course the overall design: clear lines of great simplicity and lightness create an expressive elegance. Even decades later, Bracq still described the design of the W 113 as “perfect”.
Stability: The idea for the concave roof line came from a technician. Force progressions in the bodywork are an area of expertise of Béla Barényi. He points out that a roof curved downwards is more stable than sheet metal that is curved upwards. This, however, is only of limited practicality for everyday use of the model series 113 since the hardtop of a sports car is rarely used with a roof luggage rack for transporting loads.
Innovative: Another of Barényi’s inventions is of great significance in terms of safety: his concept for the body with crumple zones at the front and rear and a customisable passenger compartment in between. In 1959, the Mercedes-Benz model series 111 was the world’s first vehicle with this safety body. Of course, the new SL, which appeared in 1963, also had it – a milestone in the world of sports cars. This underscores why this SL is in Legend Room 5: Pioneers – Safety and Environment, 1960 to 1982.
Predecessor model: The Geneva Motor Show from 14 to 24 March 1963 is the premiere venue for the 230 SL, the first version of the model series 113. The roadster with a 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine and 110 kW (150 hp) takes on a challenging legacy. It replaces two predecessors, the 190 SL (W 121) and 300 SL Roadster (W 198), both of which had been extremely popular and successful from the outset. The 300 SL had already become a legend with the coupé produced from 1954 on.
A true all-rounder: With the new model, the company opts for a happy medium. The 230 SL is neither an uncompromisingly tough roadster nor a gentle boulevard sports car. It is a comfortable yet sporty two-seater with a high level of driving safety.
Portfolio: The model series 113 is developed further. On 27 February 1967, the company presents the 250 SL, also with 110 kW (150 hp), but with a displacement of 2.5 litres and therefore greater torque. This is replaced less than a year later by the 280 SL with a 2.8-litre engine and 125 kW (170 hp), which is even more powerful.
Rally racer: Motorsport is also in the genes of this SL generation. The victory of Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser in a Mercedes-Benz 230 SL at the Spa-Sofia-Liège long-distance rally from 27 to 31 August 1963 – around 5,500 kilometres at top speed – is legendary. Böhringer calls the sports car a “dancer” because it is more manoeuvrable than the saloon with its longer wheelbase.
Young at heart: Production of the 280 SL comes to an end in March 1971. Its successor is the completely newly designed 107 model series. A total of 48,912 units of the three SL models of the W 113 are produced in eight years of production. Today, they are among the brand’s most popular classics. No wonder: they combine sportiness with a high level of everyday practicality, comfort and timeless elegance. The comprehensive supply of Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts available through the manufacturer is a major advantage when it comes to preserving any “Pagoda”. Looking for a part? Click here for the parts finder: https://teilesuche.mercedes-benz-classic.com.
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