The Mercedes-Benz W113 SL, known as the "Pagoda," replaced both the touring 190 SL and the sporting 300 SL. Designed by Paul Bracq and Béla Barényi, its signature concave hardtop roofline gave it its famous nickname. The series began with the 230 SL in 1963, followed by the short-lived 250 SL, and culminated with the most powerful and popular 280 SL, which was produced from 1967 to 1971.
The Pagoda's appeal lies in its elegant styling, exceptional build quality, and usability as a classic tourer. It's a car that's both beautiful to look at and comfortable to drive, offering a refined inline-6 experience with either a manual or automatic transmission. Collectors value its blend of 1960s style with reliable Mercedes engineering, making it an approachable and rewarding classic to own.
The market for the W113 is mature and well-established, with values heavily dependent on condition and model. The 280 SL is the most desirable and valuable, especially with a 4-speed manual gearbox. The 230 SL offers a more accessible entry point, while the rare 250 SL sits in the middle. With restoration costs being very high, buyers prioritize rust-free, well-documented cars, and the best examples continue to fetch strong prices.
Buying Tips
- Rust is the biggest enemy. Pay close attention to the floors, trunk, rocker panels, and the fender areas around the headlights.
- The mechanical fuel injection systems are reliable but can be costly to sort if they've been neglected. Ensure the car starts properly and runs smoothly without smoke.
- All Pagodas left the factory with both a soft top and a removable hardtop. Verify the presence and condition of both tops, as sourcing a correct hardtop can be expensive.
- A complete service history and a copy of the factory data card are extremely valuable. They help verify the car's originality, including its engine, colors, and options.
Prices range from a few thousand dollars for project cars to over $270,000 for concours-quality examples.
2,536 Mercedes-Benz W113 SL-Class vehicles have been tracked across auctions and listings on Hypercars, with 155 currently live. Sold prices range from $500 to $1,215,000.
Data sourced from Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, eBay Motors, PCarMarket, and Collecting Cars. Updated daily.
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