{"id":880446,"date":"2024-12-06T19:23:54","date_gmt":"2024-12-06T19:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/?p=880446"},"modified":"2025-01-14T21:10:30","modified_gmt":"2025-01-14T21:10:30","slug":"2024-pagoda-mercedes-benz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/2024-pagoda-mercedes-benz\/","title":{"rendered":"The \u201cPagoda\u201d from Mercedes-Benz"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Highlights<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The hardtop design of the SL model series 113 is reminiscent of Asian temples<\/li>\n<li>World\u2019s first sports car with a safety body<\/li>\n<li>Rally dancers: Winner at Spa-Sofia-Li\u00e8ge 1963 after 5,500 grueling kilometers<\/li>\n<li>Genuine parts from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mbusa.com\/en\/classic-center\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mercedes-Benz Classic<\/a> ensure authenticity and thus value retention<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880447\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880447\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-880447\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_001 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-000-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880447\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Overall view from the front left. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846026)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Style icon<\/h2>\n<p>The name \u201cPagoda\u201d is based on the sports car\u2019s characteristic hardtop, which is slightly curved inwards and is reminiscent of Asian temples. The shape was designed by Paul Bracq, who became the first designer in the \u201cMain Department for the Development of Car Bodies\u201d at the Sindelfingen plant in March 1957. The pagoda roof is a stroke of luck for the image and design of the sports car. And of course the overall design: clear lines of great simplicity and lightness create an expressive elegance. Even decades later, Bracq still described the design of the W 113 as \u201cperfect\u201d.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880450\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880450\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880450 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_004 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-004-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880450\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Close-up of the centre star in the radiator grille as part of the typical SL face. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846042)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Stability<\/h2>\n<p>The idea for the concave roof line came from a technician. Force progressions in the bodywork are an area of expertise of B\u00e9la Bar\u00e9nyi. He points out that a roof curved downwards is more stable than sheet metal that is curved upwards. This, however, is only of limited practicality for everyday use of the model series 113 since the hardtop of a sports car is rarely used with a roof luggage rack for transporting loads.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880451\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880451\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880451 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_005 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-005-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880451\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Close-up of the cockpit. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846053)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Innovative<\/h2>\n<p>Another of Bar\u00e9nyi\u2019s inventions is of great significance in terms of safety: his concept for the body with crumple zones at the front and rear and a customizable passenger compartment in between. In 1959, the Mercedes-Benz model series 111 was the world\u2019s first vehicle with this safety body. Of course, the new SL, which appeared in 1963, also had it \u2013 a milestone in the world of sports cars. This underscores why this SL is in Legend Room 5: Pioneers \u2013 Safety and Environment, 1960 to 1982.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880449\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880449\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880449 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_003 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-003-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880449\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Close-up of the hardtop from the rear right. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846033)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Predecessor model<\/h2>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/genevamotorshow.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Geneva Motor Show<\/a> from 14 to 24 March 1963 is the premiere venue for the 230 SL, the first version of the model series 113. The roadster with a 2.3-litre six-cylinder engine and 110 kW (150 hp) takes on a challenging legacy. It replaces two predecessors, the 190 SL (W 121) and 300 SL Roadster (W 198), both of which had been extremely popular and successful from the outset. The 300 SL had already become a legend with the coup\u00e9 produced from 1954 on.<\/p>\n<h2>A true all-rounder<\/h2>\n<p>With the new model, the company opts for a happy medium. The 230 SL is neither an uncompromisingly tough roadster nor a gentle boulevard sports car. It is a comfortable yet sporty two-seater with a high level of driving safety.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880448\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880448\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880448 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_002 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-002-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880448\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Overall view from behind. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846044)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Portfolio<\/h2>\n<p>The model series 113 is developed further. On 27 February 1967, the company presents the 250 SL, also with 110 kW (150 hp), but with a displacement of 2.5 litres and therefore greater torque. This is replaced less than a year later by the 280 SL with a 2.8-litre engine and 125 kW (170 hp), which is even more powerful.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880452\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880452\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880452 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_006 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-100x67.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-770x513.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-1155x770.jpg 1155w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-370x247.jpg 370w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-293x195.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-006-1400x933.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880452\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mercedes-Benz Museum, Legend Room 5: Visionaries \u2013 Safety and the Environment, 1960 to 1982. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113). Close-up of the tank opening to the right of the rear licence plate. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: D846032)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Rally racer<\/h2>\n<p>Motorsport is also in the genes of this SL generation. The victory of Eugen B\u00f6hringer and Klaus Kaiser in a Mercedes-Benz 230 SL at the Spa-Sofia-Li\u00e8ge long-distance rally from 27 to 31 August 1963 \u2013 around 5,500 kilometers at top speed \u2013 is legendary. B\u00f6hringer calls the sports car a \u201cdancer\u201d because it is more maneuverable than the saloon with its longer wheelbase.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_880453\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-880453\" style=\"width: 2000px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-880453 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007.jpg\" alt=\"24C0338_007 Mercedes-Benz AG - Mercedes-Benz Classic Communications\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-100x56.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/www.supercars.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Mercedes-Pagoda-007-1400x788.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-880453\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rallye Spa\u2013Sofia\u2013L\u00fcttich, 27. bis 31. August 1963. Die sp\u00e4teren Sieger Eugen B\u00f6hringer und Klaus Kaiser mit dem Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) und der Startnummer 39 auf den Ger\u00f6llwegen der Karstlandschaft in der N\u00e4he des heutigen Podgorica in Montenegro, seinerzeit Titograd im damaligen Jugoslawien, einem der schlechtesten Streckenabschnitte. (Fotosignatur der Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: U17265) Spa-Sofia-Li\u00e8ge Rally, 27 to 31 August 1963. The eventual winners Eugen B\u00f6hringer and Klaus Kaiser with the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) and starting number 39 on the gravel tracks of the Karst region near today&#8217;s Podgorica in Montenegro, then Titograd in what was then Yugoslavia, one of the worst sections of the route. (Photo index number in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Archive: U17265)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Young at heart<\/h2>\n<p>Production of the 280 SL comes to an end in March 1971. Its successor is the completely newly designed 107 model series. A total of 48,912 units of the three SL models of the W 113 are produced in eight years of production. Today, they are among the brand\u2019s most popular classics. No wonder: they combine sportiness with a high level of everyday practicality, comfort and timeless elegance. The comprehensive supply of Mercedes-Benz Classic Genuine Parts available through the manufacturer is a major advantage when it comes to preserving any \u201cPagoda\u201d. Looking for a part? Click here for the parts finder: https:\/\/teilesuche.mercedes-benz-classic.com.<\/p>\n<p>Above content \u00a9 2024 Mercedes Benz AG, reviewed and edited by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stuttcars.com\/author\/rexmcafee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rex McAfee<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Related Content<\/h2>\n<p><iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Classic Car | 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL | Driving.ca\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JSHCrgiQZVI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Classic Car | 1966 Mercedes-Benz 230SL | Driving.ca\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JSHCrgiQZVI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Highlights The hardtop design of the SL model series 113 is reminiscent of Asian temples World\u2019s first sports car with a safety body Rally dancers: Winner at Spa-Sofia-Li\u00e8ge 1963 after 5,500 grueling kilometers Genuine parts from Mercedes-Benz Classic ensure authenticity and thus value retention Style icon The name \u201cPagoda\u201d is based on the sports car\u2019s characteristic hardtop, which is slightly curved inwards and is reminiscent of Asian temples. The shape was designed by Paul Bracq, who became the first designer [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":880454,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2186,73,9348,17105],"tags":[2727,16843,17140,14556,22833,22835,6910,17414,13061,17106,17143],"class_list":["post-880446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1960s","category-mercedes-benz","category-guides","category-model-guides-production-cars","tag-1960s","tag-1960s-cars","tag-members-only","tag-230-sl","tag-mercedes-benz-230-sl-featured","tag-mercedes-benz-model-guides-230-sl","tag-mercedes-model-in-depth","tag-mercedes-benz-model-guides-production-cars","tag-car-profiles","tag-model-guides-production-cars","tag-special-feature"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - 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