Mercedes-Benz W113

Mercedes-Benz W113 230 SL, 250 SL, 280 SL
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1963–1971
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz W198
Successor	Mercedes-Benz R107

The Mercedes-Benz W 113 automobiles were produced from 1963 through 1971. They were sold as the "pagoda roof" SL Class. The W 113 replaced the W 198 SL-Class in 1963 and was replaced by the R107 SL Class in 1972.

All models boast an inline six-cylinder engine with multi-port fuel injection using a mechanical pump system adapted from the diesel motors. All are rear-wheel drive, but are also equipped with independent rear suspension, a feature that greatly improved road handling. Most of these early SLs were sold with both the removable hard top and a soft top in the so-called "Coupe/Roadster" configuration, but there was also a "Califorinia Coupe" version available that came with the removable hardtop but no soft top. In these models, the soft top well (between the passenger compartment and trunk) is removed, and a drop-down bench seat is installed in its place. The rear seat is small and not very useful, so these 2+2 models are rare but not especially sought after today. While the SLs are relatively heavy compared to other similar roadsters, weight was reduced in part by the use of aluminum panels for the trunk lid, front hood, tonneau cover and door skins.

Production began in 1963 with the 2.3 liter 230 SL. These models were commonly 4-speed manual transmission cars, but a 4-speed automatic transmission was also available and was popular for U.S. market cars. The 230 SL sported front disc / rear drum power-assisted brakes. They quickly gained popularity in the U.S. market, and this eventually led to more and more cars being built with automatic transmissions.

The 250 SL was basically a one-year model, 1967, although many were sold in, and titled as, 1968 model year cars. This model is the rarest of the W 113 cars. The main changes were the use of a 2.5 liter motor and addition of rear disc brakes. The 250 SL retains the stiffer suspension and sportier feel of the early SL's but provides significantly improved performance, especially given the engines wider power band. The 250 SL was also available with a ZF 5-speed manual transmission that was available through 1970.

The 2.8 liter 280 SL was introduced in 1967 and continued production largely unchanged through 1971 when the W 113 was replaced by the entirely new, and substantially heavier, R 107 350 SL/450 SL. Most 280 SL cars built for the U.S. market were equipped with automatic transmission. Manual transmission cars are somewhat rare in the U.S. market and are therefore sought after by American collectors. In the European market manual transmission cars were still dominant.

These cars are also popular as U.S. export vehicles. That is, cars brought to the U.S. from Europe some years after original production. The European market cars have a number of subtle differences from U.S. market cars. The most visible is the distinctive European 'fishbowl' headlights versus U.S. sealed beam bulb headlights. Somewhat less known is that European cars were using yellow lenses on the rear turn signals much earlier that were cars in the U.S. which were required by law to use all-red tail lights (U.S. laws were eventually changed to allow yellow turn signals). Other differences include the metric gauges, no chrome bumper guards, more use of chrome throughout the interior, and, generally speaking, no air conditioning. Depending on the market, many Euro-spec cars were also often equipped with an "add-on" red emergency flasher, a safety requirement for cars brought into the U.S. that was not a standard feature in the European market until later production years.

Today, the W 113 Pagoda is considered a highly desirable collectors car, with current values for the 280 SL suggesting that it is the most desirable of the three models. The 250 SL, being quite a bit rarer, is also popular with collectors who prefer the somewhat stiffer suspension and sportier feel of the earlier cars, but also appreciate the improved performance of the 2.5 liter engine, and the addition of rear disk brakes. The 230 SL is widely available, but demands a lower price due to the perception of lower performance from a smaller engine. Buyers of these vintage autos should look closely for rust, especially in the floors, trunk, and under the doors. These cars, while generally well cared for, are known for having rust problems. Replacement parts including engine, transmission, interior, and rust repair panels are readily available making restoration a viable alternative.

Vehicles:

• • 1963–1966 230 SL
  • 1966–1968 250 SL
  • 1968–1971 280 SL