The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda is a luxury roadster produced between 1963 and 1967 by the Bavarian house. The nickname “Pagoda” was given because of its simple and robust lines and the unusual concave shape of the hardtop. All elements that remind of oriental temples. The first version of the Mercedes 230 SL roadster was a folding soft top (or alternatively with hard top). For the first time on a series car they were focusing on the safety of the occupants. Although tied to classical mechanic schemes (rear-wheel drive, longitudinal front engine, 4-speed manual transmission), the 230Sl had many innovations. A 6-cylinder in line M127 engine 2308cm³ injection powered with 150 hp and oscillating axle shaft. As already mentioned, it had a 4 speed manual transmission, but on the request it could be animated. By September 1965, those who wished could also opt for a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine performance allowed for discrete performance, although, because of the geometry of the rear deck, the car proved difficult to drive in wet conditions. A mixed breaking system was implemented later on to fix this issue. The top speed of the car was 200km/h. In 1966 the roadster version was flanked by the hard-top Coupé with a rigid, but removable, roof that was free of any fabric. The elimination of the mechanism that allowed to remove the soft top mechanism allowed for the addition of two small folding rear seats. In the same year the Italian designer Pietro Frua created a shooting-brake version of the 230Sl, called SLX. The 230SL was replaced in January 1967 by the 250SL.
Rent a Mercedes 230 SL Pagoda for a tour on Lake Como, Venice or Tuscany. Or to admire the wonders of the French Riviera, passing through Nice and Montecarlo.
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