Known internally as the W113, the 230 SL was undoubtedly one of the greatest Mercedes-Benz cars produced at the Stuttgart factory. The ownership of a Mercedes 230 SL represented wealth, style, and power in the ’60s. Indeed, the W113 sports car is highly regarded today as an icon, owned by countless film stars and racing drivers.

What Is The Mercedes 230 SL Pagoda?

Mercedes-Benz-230_SL_Roadster-1963-1600-02
Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes 230 SL was the successor to the 300 SL gullwing coupe and the 190 SL, both of which had become somewhat dated by the late 1950s. Dubbed the ‘Pagoda’, the new GT caused quite a sensation within the automotive world when it made its appearance at the Geneva Motor show in 1963, for its unveiling. Not only was the 230 SL more comfortable and refined than the cars it replaced, but it was also way ahead of its time. Moreover, the new sports car would strike the ideal balance between both the performance-orientated 300 SL and the comfortable 190 SL roadster. No doubt, the sophisticated SL from Stuttgart quickly won the hearts of the rich and famous. Furthermore, it set standards for vehicle safety. Indeed, the 230 SL became the world's first sports car to incorporate rigid passenger cell crumple zones at the front and rear of the car.

It’s true to say, the 230 SL design had a major part to play in its success. Gone were the 1950s curves, in favor of a sharper, cleaner silhouette that was not only aesthetically pleasing but epitomized the style and glamour of the 1960s. And, not forgetting, the uniquely curved removable coupe roof for which it gained its nickname ‘Pagoda’, being reminiscent of temple buildings in the Far East. The 230 SL was available as a roadster with a folding roof or a coupe with a removable hardtop roof. Moreover, the car's styling was the work of famous French designer Paul Bracq, responsible for designing some of the German brand's most glamorous models in the late 1950s.

The Mercedes 230 SL had the M127 six-cylinder engine under the hood, which proved to be a potent powerplant. Importantly, the lightweight structure made the roadster a great handling car. What’s more, in 1963 the German racing driver Eugen Bohringer, won the 6,600-kilometer Spa Sofia to Liege Rally in a race modified version of the 230 SL. Overall, the sporty Mercedes 230 SL proved to be a strong, reliable and attractive machine.

By 1967, the W113 series had increased its engine capacity by 2.5 Liters with the introduction of the 250 SL. Production, however, only lasted a year before the third and final version of the series unveiled itself as the much quicker 280 SL with its 2.8 liter, inline-six powerplant. In total, 19,831 vehicles out of almost 49,000 of the W113 series, built between 1963 to 1971, were 230 SLs.

Smooth Engine And Sportier Performance

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Roadster
www.mercedes-benz.com

Based on the W111 sedan platform, with a shortened wheelbase, the 230 SL’s wide chassis gave it excellent handling characteristics at the time, with power sent to the rear wheels. In addition to the independent suspension setup and powerful brakes, several modifications had become incorporated to increase its performance. Not only were larger heads installed with high compression valves, a modified camshaft and an uprated injection system were also fitted to make the Pagoda SL quicker. In addition, the Mercedes 230 SL was the first to have radial tires fitted as standard.

Powered by a 2308cc in-line six-cylinder, the engine came with a multi-point fuel injection system paired with a four-speed manual transmission. However, an automatic transmission became available and proved extremely popular, particularly in the US market. By 1966, a five-speed ZF manual transmission became available and considered more desirable.

The remarkable Mercedes 230 SL produced 150 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Considering the car weighed 1300 kg, the 0-60 sprint came in just under 10 seconds and could hit a top speed of 124-mph. Simply impressive at the time. Furthermore, the acceleration of the 230 SL was smooth and responsive, accompanied by the addictive sound of the raspy exhaust.

Timeless Design And Comfortable Interior

MB 230 SL 1964
Lothar Spurzem

Without a doubt, the Mercedes 230 SL exudes style and sophistication with its timeless design. Although sportier to drive than its predecessors, the SL Pagoda displayed an elegant demeanor. For example, the front end with the upright headlights, certainly a modern look for the ’60s. Also, the three-pointed star dominating the chrome grille was similar to the gorgeous 300 SL.

The removable roof of the W113 cars was, no doubt, the hallmark of the Mercedes with its high windows and thin pillars. Indeed, the clever engineers at Mercedes had developed the hard-top with its unique concave curvature, hence the nickname ‘Pagoda’. Not only did the design improve visibility from a safety aspect, but it also provided structural rigidity, protecting the occupants in the event of a rollover accident. To further reduce the weight of the 230 SL, the hood, boot lid, doors, and cover for the soft-top roof were all made of aluminum.

The classy cabin of the 230 SL came equipped with the familiar Mercedes-Benz steering wheel and high-quality materials. In addition, the two heavily upholstered leather seats provided high levels of comfort for long-distance touring. What’s more, to reduce injury hazards in the event of a collision, hard corners and edges were completely eliminated from the interior, although seatbelts remained an optional extra.

How Much Is The Mercedes 230 SL?

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Roadster
www.mercedes-Benz.com

The stunning Mercedes 230 SL Pagoda is, undoubtedly, one of the all-time classics to come out of Stuttgart. Equally as desirable as Ferraris and E-Type Jaguars of the same period. What’s more, the prices of the W113 series are continuing to climb steeply.

According to Classic.com, the average price of a Mercedes 230 SL, taken over five years, is around the $64,000 mark. However, depending on the condition and history, 230 SL prices can reach over $200,000.