14.03.2022A made-to-measure classic. The Mercedes Benz W113 "Pagoda" was then as now a real eye-catcher

When the Mercedes-Benz W113 was presented at the Geneva Motorshow, it has the job to replace the models 190SL and 300SL. Compared to its predecessor, the W113 represents the transition from more rounded shapes to a much more masculine style. The model of the 280 SL Pagoda from Schuco takes up these forms and reproduces them into the scale of 1:18. The model has a detailed engine compartment and a true-to-original interior. Even the spare wheel in the trunk was reproduced by Schuco in 1:18 and underlines the usual high quality of the label. The red model from 1968 is a limited edition with a number of 1000 pieces. The doors, trunk and bonnet of the model can be opened. The black hardtop of the model can be described as a special eye-catcher. This can be removed if necessary. Collectors of classic and elegant cars will definitely get their money's worth at the Schuco Pagoda.

The Mercedes-Benz W113 is nicknamed Pagoda because its coupe roof is reminiscent of the curved roofs of the Far Eastern temple buildings of the same name. After the never-ending winter of the century, in the year of publication of the W113 1962/63, it is perhaps also the name "Pagoda" that sounds like warmer climes and Asian exoticism. In addition to the 230SL and 250SL versions, the W113 Pagoda from 1968-1971 was also built in the 280 SL version. The engine of the 280 SL delivered 170 hp and thus 20 hp more than the 230 SL and 250 SL models. As was usual at the time, the first safety aspects were incorporated into the design of the W113. Seat belts were still an extra, but attention was paid to crumple zones and steering column placement and the steering column's impact on the driver in the event of a crash. From today's perspective, the option list from Mercedes contained a few nice gimmicks. Anyone who didn't want to do without the comfort of being available in the car had to pay a whopping 10,000 DM (old German currency) for a car phone, for example.

Originally, the W113 in the version 230 SL had a six-cylinder engine which developed 150hp. The 2.3 liter engine brought it to 196 Nm and a top speed of 200 kph in this model. At the end of 1966, the 250 SL followed. The hp-number stayed the same, but due to the increased displacement, the torque increased up to 216 Nm. Due to the fact that the car was only built for one year, the 250 SL is actually the rarest version of the W113 that can still be purchased. Then in 1968 the 280 SL came, modeled by Schuco. The further increase in displacement now also brought an increase in output to 170 hp. When production of the W113 ended in 1971, around half of all vehicles produced were on the road outside of Germany. Quite a few of these vehicles were sold to the USA. In January 2015, 4369 copies of the three model series were registered in Germany. Both the deregistered vehicles and the vehicles being restored form an unreported number that is difficult to assess. In the end, almost 50,000 W113 “Pagoda” vehicles rolled off the assembly line during the production period.

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