Mercedes-Benz 230 SL For Comfort and Driving Safety
In the fastest-growing world of the car market, Mercedes-Benz has stayed irreplaceable. That is because its models are reliable, comfortable, and luxurious at the same time. Let’s explore one of the grand-touring sports cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz together.
Read on to find interesting facts about the famous Mercedes-Benz 230 SL.
Designed to be Safe
The 230 SL model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963. It was directly influenced by Mercedes-Benz Technical Director Professor Fritz Nallinger.
You may ask: why SL? The designation SL derives from the German term Sport-Leicht which means Sport Light. However, The 230 SL model was a compelling change in direction for the Super Light line. It brought the American car market an emphasis on luxury and sportiness at the same time.
This model of Mercedes-Benz belongs to the W 113 series cars. Both the exterior and the interior of these cars are designed in safety. They have rigid passenger cells and crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the vehicle structure. The 230 SL became the first sports car worldwide with a safety body.
The first 230 SL models were with automatic transmission. The spare tire was well removed, and the tire was mounted horizontally. It comprised spot-welded panels for increasing rigidity and reducing rattles.
Improved to be Comfortable
Released for the German market, the 230 SL model was planned to be a safe and fast car with high performance and traveling comfort.
After 1964, the emphasis was put not only on safeties but also on comfort. The new US models had Becker Europa TR instead of Europa TG. The models of 1965 were harmonized with W 108/W 109 sedans, including floor panels, combined brake, and clutch fluid reservoir, hazard lights.
Signature Design
The design of the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL was way ahead of its time with a shockingly modern driving experience. Its famous “Pagoda” roof is considered the signature design touch of this model. The removable hardtop is designed with a specific concave curve inside. The clever touch in design gave the model a distinct look and it gained the nickname “Pagoda”.
Along with the delicate appearance, safety is again the priority for Mercedes-Benz. The main reason for designing the convex roofs was to add rigidity to the structure in order to protect the passengers in case of a rollover crash.
Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pagoda, named after the shape of its roof, was a successful model that doubled the best results of the previous models of Mercedes-Benz.
This car is one to fall in love with as it is a reliable companion both for daily drives and for long journeys.