1963 MErcedes-Benz SL W113 280 5MT RWD (195 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Introduced at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, the third generation of the SL replaced the W121 and the W198 models and unified the lineup.

Starting with this generation, the SL was not available anymore in two body shapes. Instead, it was only an open-top vehicle with a removable hard top and a canvas roof hidden between the cabin and the trunk. It was designed by Paul Bracq and was a big departure from its predecessor. While some voices claimed it was a step back, from the aesthetic point of view, history showed that it was the right decision.

While its predecessors featured rounded shapes and arched lines, the W113 used flat panels or slightly curved ones. Its rectangular headlights were completely new and were part of a design element featured on Mercedes-Benz cars for the following three decades. Only the U.S. versions of the car sported round, sealed headlights due to U.S. legislation. From its profile, the car featured straight lines on the bodywork and a tilted windscreen. Beside the rear windscreen, the hard top also sported a pair of rear side windows.

The car’s interior was available with either cloth or leather upholstery and only two seats at the front. A special version, named “California Coupe,” featured a rear bench seat and no retractable roof. Inside the instrument cluster, the automaker installed two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked the gauges for the fuel level and the coolant temperature.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz offered a choice of gasoline engines ranging from 150 PS (148 hp) and 195 PS (192 hp). The four-speed manual gearbox was fitted as standard for most of the range but starting with 1966, there was an option for a five-speed manual. In addition, a four-speed automatic was available from the car’s launch.