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Silchester Garage, Pamber Road, Silchester,Berkshire RG7 2NX.  Tel: 0118 9701648   Fax: 0118 9702357

E-mail: Sales@silchestergarage.co.uk

Silchester Garage   

  Classic & Sports Cars

Mercedes-Benz SL’s – 1963 to 1971 Technical Data

230SL

July 63 to Jan 67. Production 19,831.

2306cc.  New W113 body style introduced at 1963 Geneva Show.

A blend between 190SL comfort and 300SL performance. Styled in-house by Paul Bracq.

Engine type M127 6-cylinder fuel injection,

150BHP. Disc front brakes, drums at rear. ZF5-speed option from Sept 66.

 

250SL

December 66 to Jan 68. Production 5196. Used larger type M129 engine from the 250SE saloon

with longer stroke and 7 main bearings. Still 150BHP but greater mid-range torque.  Wheel rims increased

 from 5.5 inches to 6 inches.  PAS as standard, disc brakes all round.

 

280SL

Jan 68 to March 71. Production 23,885. Larger  type M130 170BHP engine from 280SE saloon used to

cope with extra weight and impending US emissions controls. Softer springs and dampers

used and greasing intervals reduced from every 2000 miles to 6000 miles by the use of rubber on front

suspension joints. Revised steering column, switches, carpet and 3-point seat belts. One piece hub caps, new

rear lights with detachable lenses, hard top handles now removable on windscreen edge.

Length 14ft 1 inch.   Width 5ft 9inches.   Height 4ft3inches.   Kerb weight 25cwt (280SL 27cwt).

 

 Model Range   

All Pagodas (Model W113) came with 3 body options: The Roadster – soft top only,  Coupe – soft

and hard tops, 2+2 Coupe – removable hard top only with rear bench seat. As with any Mercedes

 from this era almost any optional extra could be specified, from additional sump protection to a

 car phone depending on  where the car was first sold. Some of the more frequently requested options

included automatic transmission, power steering, leather upholstery, single transverse seat, tinted glass,

air conditioning and headrests (USA). Less frequently seen options included ZF five speed gearbox,

limited-slip differential and chrome strips on hard top for a ski roof rack, and you might

 even find one to-day with the original Becker radio.

 

These cars are really tough -  in 1963 Europe’s toughest rally, the Marathon

de la Route over a Spa-Sophia-Liege route was won by a 230SL driven by Eugen Boringer.

The SL designation – first used on the powerful 300SL of the 1950’s –

stood for “Super Leicht” (Super Light).               

 

 

 

Mercedes-Benz is one of  those names about which an aura or mystique has built up

over the years and since they have been building cars for nearly 90 years its no surprise.

That M-B reputation figures strongly among the reasons people bought their SL’s;

 quality, reliability, durability, handling, style and charisma.  The 190SL and the

Pagoda are the epitome of all these virtues and now stands at the head of the

most desirable of modern classic cars.

The 107 Series, bigger and bolder, post 1971 is fast becoming recognised as a

classic and canny investors are currently buying the best ones.

A 230, 250 or 280SL if well cared for will offer the very best of classic car

motoring,  a classic that can be used every day.

 

As an investment these beautiful cars have been increasing in value dramatically over

the past few years and first class cars are very hard to find. Purchasing one of these

cars can be very rewarding, not only in the pleasure of driving a superb piece of

engineering but in the fact that the modern car in your garage is always decreasing

in value, a really good modern classic will increase in value.

There is no better long term investment!

 

We always carry a stock of cars awaiting restoration/improvement to varying degrees. 

For the customer who requires a car restored to their own individual

requirements they can select a base car, specify colours and standard required for

which we will provide a written quote and time scale (usually 6 months to a year).

The customer is more than welcome to visit and inspect progress and see their car

evolve into something very special of which they can be proud.

Silchester Garage – The best Buyers, Sellers and Restorers of  Classic Mercedes-Benz