Mercedes-Benz W113, 230, 250 & 280 SL Service & Restoration

Production Numbers
230SL

• 1963=1,465 units
• 1964=6,911 units
• 1965=6,325 units
• 1966=4,945 units
• 1967=185 units
Total 230SL=19,831 units
250SL

• 1966=17 units
• 1967=5,177 units
• 1968=2 units
Total 250SL=5,196 units
280SL

• 1967=143 units
• 1968=6,930 units
• 1969=8,047 units
• 1970=7,935 units
• 1971=830 units
Total 280SL = 23,885 units

Total W 113 SL’s=48,912

The most frequent visitors to our shop for service and restoration are the W113 bodied Mercedes-Benz SL roadsters produced from 1963 to 1971. We have serviced and restored dozens of these over the years for customers who enjoy them for their classic lines, great handling and reliability. Their popularity has grown with enthusiasts as well as collectors and as a result well kept examples often sell for six figures.

In addition to our detail oriented service work and frame-off restorations we have done a variety of modifications to improve safety and drivability for many of our customers roadsters. These include; modern Mercedes 3-point seat belts, custom hidden stereo systems, 15-inch wheels, manual transmission swaps, electronic ignition, electronic fuel injection and Mercedes V-8 engine swaps.

From tuning to frame-off restorations, we have performed every aspect of W113 service and repair. We know these cars virtually inside and out and perform all our service and restoration work to the high quality standards you would expect from a new Mercedes-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz entry into the consumer sports car market of the mid-sixties were the three W113 chassis SL models: the 230 SL, the 250 SL, and the 280 SL. The car was designed by French painter, sculptor and master coach builder Paul Bracq, who was chief of Mercedes-Benz design from 1957-1967. These attractive "SL" sports cars were produced with great attention to detail and a build quality superior to other production cars of this era and as a result have remained sought after classics. Production of the 280SL ended in 1971.

The W 113 SL's are often called "Pagoda" cars, referring to the distinctive Japanese Style Pagoda shape of the hardtop roof. The centerline of the roof is slightly lower than the sides allowing easier entry and exit while permitting larger side windows and a roof strength capable of supporting a 2000 pound load. This unique hardtop is a patented design by pioneering safety engineer Béla Barényi, head of Mercedes-Benz department of safety from 1939-1972. This same roofline was carried into the next generation of SL's, the 107 chassis cars built from 1973 to 1989.

The 1963 SL-series began with a straight 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2306 cc, producing 150 hp at 5500 rpm. This engine was updated in December 1966 with a new 2436 cc unit, still delivering 150 hp. This new engine featured a crankshaft with seven bearings instead of the original four. In December 1967 the first 280SL was produced powered by a 2778cc engine developing 170 hp at 5750 Rpm. All SL engines had a mechanical fuel injection system and most had an automatic transmission.

All the Mercedees-Benz 230, 250 and 280SL's pictured here have been serviced or restored to the highest standards by Oldtimer Restoration Center.