The Mercedes-Benz W113 roadsters, designed by Paul Bracq, were
produced from 1963 through 1971. They were known as the 'pagoda
roof' SL and replaced the W198 SL in 1963 which was then, in turn,
replaced by the R107 SL in 1971. All models boast an inline
six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a
mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel motors. All are
rear-wheel drive, but are also equipped with independent rear
suspension; a feature that greatly improved road handling. Most of
these early SL's were sold with both the removable hard top and a
soft top in the so-called 'Coupé/Roadster' configuration. By 1955,
Mercedes-Benz Chief Engineer, Prof. Fritz Nallinger and his team
held no illusions regarding the 190SL's lack of performance, while
the high price tag of the legendary 300SL supercar kept it elusive
for all but the most affluent buyers. In 1960, Nallinger eventually
proposed to develop a completely new 220SL design based on
technology from the W112. This led to the W113 platform, with an
improved fuel-injected 2.3 litre M127 inline-six engine and the
distinctive 'pagoda' hardtop roof, which was called the 230SL.
The 230SL made a remarkable debut at the prestigious Geneva
Motor Show in March 1963, where 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
very high degree of travelling comfort.' This model is the
rarest of the W113 cars. The 2.8 litre 280SL was introduced in 1967
and continued in production largely unchanged through to 1971.
A stunning example of the classic Mercedes-Benz Pagoda-top roadster, the striking paintwork is in immaculate condition throughout having undergone a thorough restoration in recent years. Indeed the previous owner did not take the car out in the rain at all resulting in a premium example. The engine was fully rebuilt in 2001 at 92,000 miles and the gearbox was replaced just two years ago. The chrome-work has been stripped off and re-chromed and the manufacturer's hard-top that accompanies the car is a welcome addition; the condition of which is every bit as good as the newly fitted soft-top and indeed the rest of the car. Supplied with a history file of old MoT test certificates as well as a current 12 month one, an assortment of other documentation and a well presented interior, this is a fine example that has had much time and expenditure undertaken so you can get on with the important business of enjoying the car.
A stunning example of the classic Mercedes-Benz Pagoda-top roadster, the striking paintwork is in immaculate condition throughout having undergone a thorough restoration in recent years. Indeed the previous owner did not take the car out in the rain at all resulting in a premium example. The engine was fully rebuilt in 2001 at 92,000 miles and the gearbox was replaced just two years ago. The chrome-work has been stripped off and re-chromed and the manufacturer's hard-top that accompanies the car is a welcome addition; the condition of which is every bit as good as the newly fitted soft-top and indeed the rest of the car. Supplied with a history file of old MoT test certificates as well as a current 12 month one, an assortment of other documentation and a well presented interior, this is a fine example that has had much time and expenditure undertaken so you can get on with the important business of enjoying the car.