Why the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL became the “Pagoda”

The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL’s nickname came from its roof. The removable hardtop had an inward curve that recalled the roofline of an Asian temple, giving the W113 series its familiar “Pagoda” name.

Introduced at Geneva in March 1963, the 230 SL replaced both the 190 SL and the 300 SL Roadster. Beneath its elegant body was a safety structure with a rigid passenger compartment and deformable front and rear sections.

Dinky’s no. 516 reproduced the car with a removable hardtop. Our silver museum example retains that cream-coloured roof, shown raised above the matching interior. The bonnet is missing, leaving the small engine visible.