Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W113 230SL Coupe/Roadster to the public in 1963. A new car from the ground up, it replaced both the four-cylinder 190SL and the exotic 300SL roadster. Rather than attempt to create a direct replacement for the costly 300SL, Mercedes-Benz chose to bridge the gap between the two outgoing cars, creating a sophisticated, stylish sports-tourer built with the exceptional quality Mercedes buyers expected. Designed in-house by Paul Bracq, the handsome body styling was crisp and modern, a drastic departure from the swoopy coke-bottle shape of the 190. One of the most distinctive features was the removable hardtop's concave roof panel that, when viewed from the front, resembled the form of a Japanese Pagoda, earning the car its famous nickname.

The Pagoda SL represented an entirely new philosophy for the SL line which still defines the nameplate today. High on style and practicality, yet with impeccable build quality and robust performance, the SL walks the line be