Cars with History: Mercedes-Benz W113

One of the most representative cars of Mercedes-Benz throughout its history has been the W113. One of the most eye-catching convertibles and, I would almost say, nearly perfect in its execution, with lines that are practically unmistakable, even for someone who is not a fan of either cars or the brand. This very year, the Pagoda series turns 50, so in Cars with History we are going to tell you a little about these incredible cars.

In 1963 Mercedes already had the precedent of the SLs, which had brought so much satisfaction, not only in competition but also in the number of models sold. The 300 SL and 190 SL had transcended their category, having gone much further than any other Mercedes model. Let us not forget the details that made them unique, such as the gullwing doors of the 300 SL or the fuel injection technology that was applied for the first time to a road car. It can be said that the 300 SL was the first supercar of modern history and today it is a true heavyweight among collectors.

The Geneva Motor Show saw the arrival of the 230 SL and of the successive Pagoda designations, a nickname it received because of the concave shape of the roof, which resembled a Chinese pagoda. Production of the first series lasted four years and featured a 2.3-litre six-cylinder that kept the hallmarks of the SL range: Bosch mechanical injection, with a 4-speed manual gearbox (a 5-speed ZF as an option) or a 4-speed automatic. But what really caught the eye was the removable hardtop, which, thanks to its height, let the cabin fill with light. As a result, the glazed area was unusually large for what was customary at the time.

By 1966 the SL line was renewed and gave way to the 250 SL, with the engine’s displacement raised from the previous generation to 2.5 litres with the same power, but with more torque. Towards the end of its production it received further changes that modernised it and brought it more into line with the times; unfortunately, many chrome accessories disappeared, as they were increasingly replaced by plastic ones, and it was also adapted to the first emissions controls, especially in the US.

In 1967 came the last redesign the Pagoda would receive: the 280 SL. Interestingly, the model was selling less and less in Europe and more in the US, where automatic gearboxes and air conditioning were more highly valued. The engine was taken up to 2.8 litres, with 170 horsepower, practically the physical displacement limit for the six-cylinder block.

The whole SL range produced special models, some experimental and others built by none other than Pininfarina. The famous coachbuilder built a coupé based on the SL 230. Among them all, we highlight this curious shooting brake built by the Italian coachbuilder Pietro Frua, in photos taken in 1966. Other prototypes with a V8 engine and even a Wankel engine were also built, but they never reached production.

In 1971 the lovely Pagoda was replaced by the R107 and C107, later designated SL and SLC. These were of a similar concept to their predecessors, but they were heavier, less aristocratic if you like, and eventually offered V8 engines; they remained in production until 1981.

Via | Mercedes-Benz, Wikipedia