Mercedes-Benz SL II (W113) photos

The second generation of the SL roadster (W113 series) was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963 to replace both the 300 SL and 190 SL. Designed under the leadership of Paul Bracq, the model earned the nickname 'Pagoda' because of its optional removable hardtop, which featured a distinctive concave roofline resembling Far Eastern temples. The W113 was safety-engineered with rigid passenger cells and progressive front and rear crumple zones pioneered by Bela Barenyi.

Power came exclusively from inline-six gasoline engines equipped with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. The line evolved through three main versions: the 230 SL (2.3-liter, 150 hp), the short-lived 250 SL (2.5-liter, 150 hp), and the definitive 280 SL (2.8-liter, 170 hp). Buyers could select from 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearboxes or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Total production reached 48,912 units over its eight-year run.