Mercedes 230SL 1963 - 1971 - Model history

Mercedes 230SL

Almost synonymous with Mercedes, it has always been worn over the years by exceptional machines of superior engineering and design, but of a different character. While some were uncompromising runners, others were grandeur coupes or powerful roadsters, but they share a famous name, as well as the widely acclaimed quality, speed and powerful charm of a three-pointed star in the nose.

Mercedes 230SL

Knowing all that, it is clear why each generation of the Mercedes SL especially deserved a place in the history of motoring. However, this time we turn our attention to the model 230SL from 1963, which contains all the qualities of the past and subsequent series of SL models and thus represents the most characteristic example. The story of the Mercedes 230SL begins in the late 190s. After a fantastic, but expensive and very specific first generation SL model, from the mid-fifties, experts from Mercedes found themselves in a big dilemma. Create and improve the concept of a super athlete, high power, speed and price, but small production and accessibility on the roads, or create a more accessible model, more conventional techniques and a much wider audience. The success of the Mercedes 300SL, a smaller copy of the beautiful and overpriced XNUMXSL, has unequivocally shown the way: a smaller, more compact, relatively cheap, but still fast enough car. After deciding on the basic concept of the car, the designers were given three axial guidelines when working.

The new SL must be comfortable and spacious, have a nice body, modern shapes and must use as many mechanical components as possible of existing models. The reason for this rationalization in construction is that in those years, Mercedes he still did not have the strong image of a top manufacturer that he later acquired. In fact, unlike today, the factory of Stuttgart was not large, rich, or exported so much. The post-war recovery was long and difficult and the competition numerous, glorious and strong. Because of all this, it is clear that the company's management should not have created a potential failure. The result of four years of work had its premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in 1963. The designers successfully did their job and a beautiful, long-lasting and lovable shape was created, with unmistakable Mercedes details. Elegant, straight lines and a host of chrome elements have led specialist journalists to declare the new Mercedes 230SL a "luxury sports car". However, the epitome of "luxury" was in place, while "sporty" wasn't exactly.

Mercedes 230SL

There may also be an increased concern for passenger safety on this car. The new SL had a rigid structure with deformable zones as well as an upgraded dashboard design with steering wheel and handles that were supposed to break and thus prevent injuries to passengers in the collision.

Mercedes 230SL

Like the Mercedes 190SL, the new Mercedes 230SL was also offered as a coupe with a removable hard top and canvas roof below, or just a hard top without a canvas roof. In both cases, customers had the opportunity to enjoy a cab ride, with the hardtop fixed in four places while at least two strong individuals were required to remove it. Under the hood was a regular six-cylinder engine, 2.3 liters and 150hp, which was enough for 200 km / h and 11 seconds to 100 km / h, at that time it was high results. Power was transmitted to the pad via a four-speed manual or automatic transmission, and in 1966 it was introduced manual transmission with five gears. All suspension elements and platforms came from the 220SE, which was in line with management requirements. An interesting detail of this model is also its strange, concave roof line, which immediately after its presentation was given the eternal nickname "Pagoda", according to the roofs of houses from Far Eastern architecture, to which he resembled. This gave the 230SL a small dose of avant-garde that Mercedes was never known for, and it worked well as a selling point. Although, as mentioned before, the new SL was not a sports car and was best suited to the term "boulevard cruiser", its lightweight and solid construction, relatively powerful engine and compact dimensions inspired some owners to participate in racing.

The most successful was Eugen Bohringer, who with a well-prepared car won the famous, marathon rally Liege-Sofia-Liege, 1963. Immediately after the presentation, the Pagoda took its place in front of the well-to-do owners' homes. Although it was a clean two-seater, it had a rather large trunk so that it could often be seen in fashion resorts, and because of its hard roof and winter centers. In 1966, a version of the Mercedes 250SL was introduced that had a 2.5 liter engine, the same power (150hp) but slightly higher torque and a better work culture. In addition, from that year, all SL models have disc brakes on both axles as well as a fuel tank increased to 82 liters. Next, in 1967, the basic Mercedes 230SL was withdrawn from the offer, and the so-called "California" version was available to buyers. Namely, all those who could count on the constantly nice weather could order a car without a canvas roof and with extra seats that were very tight. The Mercedes 280SL was introduced in 1968 and was the latest evolution of this generation. The 2.8-liter engine developed 170hp and gave it a shade of better performance, while the outside difference from its predecessors is just a mark on the back of the vehicle. At the same time, the 250SL version was shut down. For the next four years, the 280SL was the only variant of this series on the market, until production was discontinued in March 1971. The successor was the 350SL, which had a V8 engine, more modern technology and design.

During its relatively short production, the 230-280SL was manufactured in 48,912 units and was a major success for Mercedes. With its popularity, it further affirmed the plant in the US, which later became its best market. Given its importance in car history, all Pagodas are prized and often seen at old-timer rallies, even with us. However, like all Mercedes classic models, these cars are overpriced, so perfect specimens reach prices of around € 30,000-50,000, which is really too much, even with conventional technology and solid driving performance. There are about seven restored Pagodas in our country, though there used to be more. Probably, there are neglected specimens somewhere that can be brought back to good condition relatively easily. In any case, it is worth looking for a car like this because its charm, tradition, design and usability ensure the owner a journey with unparalleled style and enjoyment.

Author: 426 Hemi
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Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!