The Mercedes-Benz Pagoda, particularly the 230SL, holds an undeniable iconic status. Before my recent experience behind the wheel, my appreciation was purely aesthetic, content with admiring its elegant lines from afar. Based on the W111 platform and powered by a spirited inline-six, the Pagoda wasn’t necessarily conceived as a high-performance sports car. As famously noted about its 280SL sibling, the driving experience often leaned towards relaxed cruising, especially with an automatic transmission.
However, when the Classic Car Club of London entrusted me with the keys to their 1964 Mercedes-Benz 230SL, equipped with a delightful four-speed manual gearbox, my perceptions shifted dramatically. The nimble handling and surprising agility on winding roads and through city streets were immediately captivating. While estimated to produce around 150 horsepower from its fuel-injected engine, this early series 230SL benefited from a lighter build, unburdened by later additions. The result is a genuinely sporty driving experience, strikingly reminiscent of classic Alfa Romeos, evoking the lighthearted fun and distinctive exhaust note of a Duetto.
Driving the 230SL through bustling London streets is a visual delight. The usual disdain or indifference often directed at modern supercars in upscale areas like Mayfair is replaced by genuine smiles and appreciative glances from people of all ages. The Pagoda’s design transcends generations and resonates universally with car enthusiasts and casual observers alike.
Perhaps I was slightly reticent about disclosing the extensive mileage I intended to accumulate in this spirited red roadster to the Classic Car Club. Nevertheless, their encouragement to truly experience the car was implicit. My journey began with a 160-mile stretch from London to Somerleyton Hall in Lowestoft, Suffolk. This route, a blend of motorway and winding country lanes, served as an immediate proving ground for the 230SL’s capabilities and composure.
Cruising on the motorway, the Mercedes 230sl felt most comfortable at around 3800 RPM, maintaining a relaxed 70-75 mph. While pushing it to 90 mph was achievable, it didn’t enhance the enjoyable cruising character of the car. It became clear that the 230SL is inherently designed for comfortable touring and enjoying the journey.
My overnight stay at Somerleyton Hall, as a guest of Hugh & Lara Somerleyton, brought back memories of a previous visit with the CCC’s Jaguar E-Type. The frigid morning temperatures, hovering around 10 degrees below freezing, presented a potential challenge for starting a classic car of this era. The E-Type had famously succumbed to the cold, remaining stubbornly dormant under a layer of frost for two days. The Mercedes-Benz 230SL, however, proved to be a different story entirely.
Intrigued, I timed the cold start. 3.72 seconds.
This is a defining characteristic of the W113 series Mercedes-Benz – it simply works. Reliability is a cornerstone of the 230SL’s enduring appeal, complementing its striking design and enjoyable driving dynamics.
Over the following week, journeys extended from the coastal charm of Aldeburgh to the Wiltshire countryside. The 230SL continued to perform flawlessly. Navigating twisty country roads was a joy in second gear, while highway cruising in fourth gear was a comfortable and smile-inducing experience as admiring glances came from other drivers. Night driving, however, did necessitate utilizing the high beams to fully illuminate the road ahead, a common characteristic of classic cars.
It wasn’t until the final day in London that I finally felt compelled to lower the top. The London sunshine, even by its own standards, was bright enough, and the roof was stowed away in under a minute – a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s claim of a sub-15 second operation even in 1964. Driving from North London to Wimbledon for a meeting was an absolute highlight. The 230SL thrives on city streets in second gear, eagerly revving up to a satisfying 4500RPM. The return journey to the CCC London HQ was equally enjoyable, bathed in the warmth of the afternoon sun.
Every roundabout and intersection brought forth more smiles. Business professionals, children, and everyone in between seemed to appreciate the open-top Pagoda’s aesthetic appeal. It truly embodies the adage “more smiles per mile.” Ultimately, my experience with the Mercedes-Benz 230SL deepened my appreciation for a car I already admired from afar. It emphatically proves that sometimes, meeting your heroes can be even more rewarding than anticipated.
