They are truly iconic, the Pagoda roof Mercedes-Benz SLs. Before my recent experience, I must admit, I would have been content simply admiring the Benz 230 Sl from afar. This charming car, built on the W111 platform and powered by a spirited inline-six engine, wasn’t necessarily known for its track-ready performance. As Nigel Case, a friend, aptly put it regarding the 280SL, its larger sibling, they are often enjoyed with a relaxed, wafting driving style, especially when equipped with an automatic gearbox.
However, the Classic Car Club of London offered me the keys to their 1964 Benz 230 SL, boasting a responsive four-speed manual transmission. My initial impression was immediately transformed by the sheer enjoyment of driving this classic Mercedes-Benz. Winding it through winding country roads and tight city streets revealed an unexpected agility and fun factor. Nigel estimated the fuel-injected engine delivered around 150 horsepower. Being an early series model, this 230 SL hadn’t yet accumulated the extra weight of later iterations. The result? A genuinely sporty driving experience, instantly reminiscent of a classic Alfa Romeo, perhaps even echoing the airy delight of a Duetto, complete with a distinctive, engaging exhaust note.
Driving through bustling London in this visually striking car is an absolute pleasure. The usual disapproving glances and scoffs often directed at supercar drivers in upscale areas like Mayfair were replaced by beaming smiles from people of all ages. The design of the Benz 230 SL, universally admired by car enthusiasts and the general public alike, possesses an enduring appeal.
I might have been slightly understated when informing the Classic Car Club about the intended mileage I’d be adding to their spirited red roadster. To their credit, they didn’t dissuade me from thoroughly exploring its capabilities. My journey began with a 160-mile drive from London to Somerleyton Hall in Lowestoft, Suffolk. This route, encompassing both highways and winding country lanes, would serve as an immediate test of the car’s competence and poise.
On the motorway, I discovered the Benz 230 SL felt most comfortable cruising around 3800 RPM, maintaining a relaxed 70-75 mph. Pushing it to 90 mph wasn’t alarming, but it didn’t provide the kind of exhilarating response that would encourage frequent excursions at that speed. Let’s be clear, this car is inherently a refined cruiser, designed for comfortable and stylish journeys.
My overnight stay was at Somerleyton Hall as a guest of Hugh & Lara Somerleyton. If you recall, I had previously photographed the CCC’s 3.8 E-Type there around the same time last year. They expressed admiration for the Benz 230 SL, though the brisk temperature made them a little hesitant to venture out for a closer look. Typically, waking up to temperatures significantly below freezing makes starting a classic car of this era a challenging prospect. The E-Type, for instance, remained encased in frost for nearly two days while my attempts to start it proved unsuccessful. The Pagoda, however, presented a stark contrast.
I decided to time the cold start on my phone. 3.72 seconds.
That’s the defining characteristic of the W113 Mercedes-Benz SL: it simply works. This reliability is a testament to Mercedes-Benz engineering, ensuring that even a classic like the 230 SL remains effortlessly functional.
Over the following week, Florence Walker and I journeyed from the coastal town of Aldeburgh (renowned for its exceptional fish and chips, by the way) all the way to Wiltshire, to connect with new acquaintances at Wilton House. Throughout this extended trip, the Pagoda consistently performed admirably, proving its enduring capabilities as a grand tourer.
Navigating twisty country roads? Simply drop it into second gear and enjoy the responsive engine. Cruising on the highway? Effortlessly maintain speed in fourth, while observing the admiring smiles from fellow motorists. Driving at night? Engage the high beams for optimal visibility, and the Benz 230 SL handles it all with grace.
It wasn’t until the final day of my time with the car in London that I felt confident enough to lower the top. The weather was sufficiently sunny, particularly by London standards. I managed to stow the roof in under a minute – Mercedes-Benz proudly advertised a sub-15 second operation at the time. Driving from North London to Wimbledon for a meeting with Joe Macari became an experience I can only describe as pure driving joy. The car thrives in city environments, happily cruising in second gear, revving up to a satisfying 4500 RPM. The return journey to the CCC London HQ on Pitfield Street was equally enjoyable, perhaps even a little warmer as the sun continued its afternoon course.
At every roundabout and intersection, smiling faces were a constant. Business professionals, children, and everyone in between are captivated by the aesthetic appeal of the Pagoda with its top down. It truly embodies the concept of “more smiles per mile.” Ultimately, my experience behind the wheel only deepened my pre-existing admiration for this remarkable car. It emphatically proves that sometimes, meeting your heroes exceeds all expectations.
