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Photo taken from Nick Jones website


The Mercedes 230 SL W 113 is a two-seater convertible from Mercedes-Benz, which was presented in March 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show. It should replace both the types 190 SL and 300 SL. Because of its additionally available, inward arched hardtop it was nicknamed Pagoda. It was available in the versions 230 SL (1963-1967), 250 SL (1967) and 280 SL (1968-1971), built with either manual or automatic total 48,912 times. Approximately 50% of production went to the USA.

The "Pagoda" was the first SL in which extensive security measures were taken. Its basis is the underbody of the "tailfin" W 111 in a 30 cm shorter wheelbase, therefore also the SL has a rigid passenger cell and crumple zones, easily deformable front and rear segments. The interior is mitigated as the sedan, there are no hard edges. Seat belts were, like its predecessor, available as optional equipment. The steering gear was moved from the crash risk area of the front end to the front wall, the steering column is bent and has joints that prevent the feared lance effect in an accident. 1967 Safety steering column with impact absorber were added in the steering wheel.

A SL of this series is only very rarely scrapped, even in the worst condition (an accident, corroded, mechanism defective). In addition, it is also easy to complete, after mostly more complex repairs of the body, the modular system makes it easy to implant the far partly identical and readily available (except for the engine of the 230 SL) technique of the sedans.

But for every rule there is an exception. During cleanups in 2006 a sunken 230 SL pagoda was found in the german river Neckar. Although somebody showed interest to restore the vehicle, it will remain as it is. The car is now in the possession of the Mercedes-Benz SL Pagoda Club and is thus preserved, as it is. Although the VIN of the car could be identified, the reasons for its fate is still unknown.

Model Designation: W 113
Designer: Paul Braq
Model (first digits of the VIN): 113.042
Production period: 03.1963 / 07.1963 - 01.1967
Cars built: 19.381
Prize on 07.1963: DM 20.600,00


A Pagoda in the same livery as the Matchbox 230 SL
Interior in a darker red leather with the typical early white steering wheel
The concave shape of the roof line is the namesake for this vehicle
The sunk Neckar Pagoda

Apparently one clue for the mystery behind this car finding it's way into so much Water, was a pair of Sunglasses still in the footwell!

It needs preserving in the same way as the Mary Rose Ship, constantly dosed with Water to stop it rotting away completely!

Ghosthunter.

The Pagoda, designed as a luxury sports car, also was a successfull rallye car. With its drivers Eugen Böhringer and Klaus Kaiser won the 1963 rallye Spa-Sofia-Liege. The british magazin „Autosport“ wrote in September 1963: „Eugen Böhringer chalked up his second successive victory in this most arduous event, he and Kaiser putting up a fantastic performance in the beautiful new 230 SL to drop only 8 minutes in an event of over 93 hours’ duration, which covered over 3.430 miles.“) In addition, Boehringer wins the 1963 Acropolis Rallye and the Poland Rallye and is in this season also made 2nd place in the Rally of Monte Carlo and at the Rally Germany.
A newly built up replica of the 230 SL with Eugen Böhringer at the volant

The Pagoda still has its fans today

Kate Moss owns one with RHD
and also F1 driver Nico Rosberg drives one in Monte Carlo

GHOSTHUNTER wrote:Apparently one clue for the mystery behind this car finding it's way into so much Water, was a pair of Sunglasses still in the footwell!

Amazingly enough, I'd never heard of this car, and I was able to find very little information with a quick Google search. Apparently there is no record of its VIN in any police database.