1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021

Inhalte Verbergen

1 Technical Details:

2 Design:

3 Historical Significance:

4 Quirks and Pop Culture:

5 Display and preservation:

6 Conclusion:

7 Sources:

Technical Details:

In its final production year, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet was still powered by the 2.3-liter six-cylinder engine, delivering 150 horsepower, enhanced by Bosch mechanical fuel injection. In 1967, it saw minor updates, maintaining its reputation for refined handling and performance. By then, the 4-speed automatic transmission was a more common option. It kept a curb weight of 1300 kg and a top speed of 200 km/h, it struck a fine balance between performance and elegance. Its 2400 mm wheelbase and equal track widths of 1485 mm contributed to its stability and sporty road behavior. Front disc brakes added safety and precision to the driving experience, and overall, it showcased forward-thinking engineering for its time.

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz
Model Name: Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet (W113)
Year of Manufacturing: 1967

Design:

The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet stood out for its clean and purposeful styling, made unforgettable by the optional “Pagoda” hardtop—a lightweight metal roof with a distinctive concave shape. This lightweight metal roof was part of the car’s standard equipment, which also came with a light folding top. The car’s design incorporated a well-balanced chassis and underbody derived from the Heckflosse, offering a confident ride with excellent handling dynamics. The car featured sleek, minimalist lines, an expansive grille, and seamlessly integrated chrome bumpers. Inside, the cabin was tailored with driver-centric touches: supportive bucket seats, a compact steering wheel, and ergonomically placed switchgear. A small rear storage area added practicality, making it a refined yet usable roadster. The overall design invoked a sense of understated luxury with just the right amount of flair. The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet got subtle updates to trim, mirrors, and dashboard layout. Paint options expanded, and Mercedes continued refining its interior finish, making it one of the most comfortable SLs to date.

Historical Significance:

This was the final production year for the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet before the introduction of the 250 SL. It marked the end of the model that reinvented the Mercedes-Benz roadster image. Production was from 1963 to 1967. The model marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, influencing the styling and engineering of future Mercedes.

Quirks and Pop Culture:

Dubbed the “Pagoda” for its unique hardtop roofline, the 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet was especially popular in Hollywood and on the Riviera. It featured in fashion magazines and was often associated with architects, designers, and trendsetters. It was more than just transport—it was a symbol of refinement, beloved by those with a taste for both culture and the open road.

Display and preservation:

The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.

Conclusion:

The 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Cabriolet was the final and finest version of the original Pagoda. It remains a high point in vintage Mercedes-Benz design. With its balanced performance, timeless design, and cultural footprint, the “Pagoda” SL remains a beloved classic, continuing to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

Sources:

Mercedes-Benz Classic Archives: https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/classic/ Hemmings: https://www.hemmings.com/ German Classic Car Registry: https://www.oldtimer-veranstaltung.de/ Oswald, Werner “Mercedes-Benz Cars 1886–2001” Ultimate Car Page: https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/ Bonhams Auctions Archive: https://www.bonhams.com/ RM Sotheby’s: https://rmsothebys.com/ Wikipedia – Mercedes-Benz W 113: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W_113 Schlegelmilch, Rainer W, Lehbrink, Hartmut, von Osterroth, Joch (2013) “Mercedes”, h.f.ullmann publishing GmbH Kittler, Eberhard (2008), “Typenkompass. Jubiläumsedition. Mercedes-Benz.“ Motorbuch Verlag