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Library / Mercedes-Benz 230/250/280SL Pagoda (W113)

Driving character — a comfortable GT, not a race car, and the swing axle

Mercedes-Benz 230/250/280SL Pagoda (W113) · driving

Owners consistently describe the Pagoda as a refined, comfortable grand tourer that will happily cover long distances but is not built for the track, with a heavy engine and modest pace. The single-pivot swing rear axle is mostly defended as fine in normal use, though at least one owner blames it for an early crash, keeping its reputation lightly contested.