Mercedes Benz 280 SL Pagode
Highlights
Data & Facts
Model History
The SL of the W113 series was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 - as the successor to two successful models: the 190 SL and 300 SL. The new SL was designed as a comfortable, two-seater touring car with high performance and optimum driving safety. The technical basis corresponded to the 220 SE rear-fin saloon with its shortened and reinforced frame/floor system including front and rear suspension. The in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.3 litres generated an output of 150 hp in the 230 SL, which was available first. As an alternative to the 4-speed manual gearbox, a 4-speed automatic transmission was available and, from 1966, a 5-speed manual gearbox from ZF. The 230 SL was the first sports car to have a safety body with a rigid passenger cell and deformable front and rear sections.
The characteristic design feature of this SL model series was the removable coupé roof (hardtop), which was concave, i.e. curved inwards. This very avant-garde design in the form of a ‘pagoda’ enabled a particularly high strength of the roof despite its lightweight construction and ensured improved visibility with large windows.
In February 1967, the 250 SL replaced the 230 SL. Its engine and braking system were both slightly modified from the 250 SE. The engine had 200 cc more displacement and achieved 10% more torque with the same output. It was also fitted with seven crankshaft bearings and an oil cooler. The brake system now had disc brakes on the rear wheels, larger brake discs at the front and a brake force regulator. Just one year later, the SL received a 2.8-litre engine. Compared to the 250 SL, the power output had been increased to 170 hp and the torque by 10%.
Production of the W113 came to an end in March 1971. By then, 48,912 of the three SL models had been produced. Due to the characteristic roof shape, the models in this series are generally referred to today as the ‘Pagoda SL’.
Model History
The SL of the W113 series was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 - as the successor to two successful models: the 190 SL and 300 SL. The new SL was designed as a comfortable, two-seater touring car with high performance and optimum driving safety. The technical basis corresponded to the 220 SE rear-fin saloon with its shortened and reinforced frame/floor system including front and rear suspension. The in-line six-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2.3 litres generated an output of 150 hp in the 230 SL, which was available first. As an alternative to the 4-speed manual gearbox, a 4-speed automatic transmission was available and, from 1966, a 5-speed manual gearbox from ZF. The 230 SL was the first sports car to have a safety body with a rigid passenger cell and deformable front and rear sections.
The characteristic design feature of this SL model series was the removable coupé roof (hardtop), which was concave, i.e. curved inwards. This very avant-garde design in the form of a ‘pagoda’ enabled a particularly high strength of the roof despite its lightweight construction and ensured improved visibility with large windows.
In February 1967, the 250 SL replaced the 230 SL. Its engine and braking system were both slightly modified from the 250 SE. The engine had 200 cc more displacement and achieved 10% more torque with the same output. It was also fitted with seven crankshaft bearings and an oil cooler. The brake system now had disc brakes on the rear wheels, larger brake discs at the front and a brake force regulator. Just one year later, the SL received a 2.8-litre engine. Compared to the 250 SL, the power output had been increased to 170 hp and the torque by 10%.
Production of the W113 came to an end in March 1971. By then, 48,912 of the three SL models had been produced. Due to the characteristic roof shape, the models in this series are generally referred to today as the ‘Pagoda SL’.