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Mercedes-Benz’s W113 was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963. It represents the evolution of the ultimate classic, the W198 or Gullwing, and its smaller sibling, the W121 BII or ‘190 SL’. The W113 was available either as a coupe or as a roadster, both exuding immense charm and charisma. Over the eight-year production run, it hit the global market, and its design is proven to be so iconic that it has acquired a nickname by which it is still known today: 'Pagoda'. Collectors are absolutely enamoured with it.
As the Gullwing was accessible to only a very small audience, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W121 BII to the market, better known as the '190 SL'. However, the 190 SL, with its straight-four engine, proved not powerful enough for the intended audience. In 1963, Mercedes-Benz released the W113 230 SL as the successor to the Gullwing and the 190 SL. Immediately eye-catching is the curved shape of the hardtop, reminiscent of the roof of an Asian temple, a 'pagoda'. This quickly became the enduring nickname for the W113, thanks to automotive journalists. The playful design of the hardtop is complemented by best-fitting hubcaps, appealing headlights, sleek lines overall, and a grille that pays homage to the by then immortalised Gullwing. The Pagoda is an ideal overall package, a hit, highly ingenious, as Stuttgart standards are: 'SL' stands for 'Sport Leicht' (Sport Light), so to keep the Pagoda as light as possible, the hood and trunk lid were made from aluminium, a short and wide chassis was used, and for the first time in Mercedes-Benz history, radial tires were used, both contributing to a sublime driving experience.
In addition to its charming 1960s design, the Pagoda is a mechanical masterpiece. Under the aluminium hood lies a delightfully humming 2.3-litre straight-six fuel-injected engine, producing an adequate 148 horsepower. By enlarging this six-cylinder, Mercedes-Benz brought two more powerful variants in 1966 and 1967—the 250 SL in 1966 and the 280 SL in 1967—displacing 2.5 litres and 2.8 litres.
Since its debut, the Pagoda has captivated many, offering an absolute delight in terms of driving experience. Just under 50,000 were built, and in 1973, the W113 was succeeded by the W107.
Mercedes-Benz W113 280 SL Pagoda
In late 1967, the Pagoda 280 SL was introduced, featuring a 2.8-litre engine. The larger six-cylinder engine delivers an unprecedented 170 horsepower, making it the most powerful of all three Pagodas. People had the options between a 4-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, or a 5-speed manual transmission.
The 280 SL was produced until 1971 and is the best-sold in the Pagoda trilogy, with approximately 24,000 ever built. The 280 SL is a highly sought-after classic that has proven to be an excellent investment.
Technical information:
Body work
Mechanics