Mercedes-Benz SL-Class W 113 for Sale

"Mercedes Benz": right off, the name conjures up countless iconic models of car, and the W113 must surely count amongst the most prized vehicles to have been produced by this world-famous manufacturer. Let us celebrate this beloved car, which is also popularly known as the SL Pagoda...

The history of the Mercedes Benz W113

The W113 is the result of a developmental process that began in 1955 and lasted for almost a decade. The vehicle made its debut in 1963; one of the most immediately eye-catching things about it was the shape of its hardtop roof, which earned it the fond nickname of the "SL Pagoda".

Bela Barényi, one of the designers responsible for the Mercedes Benz W113, had a personal interest in safety. He helped to ensure that the car had a body specifically designed with road safety in mind - making the W113 the first sports car to be constructed with the specific aim of minimising hazards on the road.

SL Pagoda models through the years...

The first model of Mercedes Benz W113 was the 230 SL, which was manufactured from 1963 to 1967. The car offered a sophisticated combination of security, steering capability and high potential speed, but as time went on the inevitable march of technology eventually rendered it outmoded. Mercedes Benz first responded to changing trends by unveiling the 250 SL, which was manufactured for a short period towards the end of the lifespan of the 230 SL.

While this new SL Pagoda offered increased driving capabilities, it was itself quickly left outmoded by the 280 SL, which was manufactured from 1967 to 1971. Much heavier than its predecessors, the 280 SL was the final major make of Mercedes Benz W113 and perhaps the one that left the largest mark in the memories of motoring enthusiasts. This make took account of recent trends in sports car design, and was able to ensure that the SL Pagoda stood atop popular tastes for the final years of its existence. Even today, vintage car buffs will have many a fond word to say about the Mercedes Benz W113, in large part due to the success of the 280 SL.