When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 230SL, devised by French automotive designer and classic car enthusiast, Paul Bracq, it was considered a landmark model spearheading a sports car dynasty that would prove an enormous commercial success for the marque.

Introduced at the Geneva Salon in March 1963 as replacement for the 190SL, the 230SL abandoned its predecessor's four-cylinder engine in favour of a 2.3-litre fuel-injected six.

Nicknamed 'Pagoda' after its distinctive cabin roof it became an instant classic.

The body design was entirely new, whilst beneath the skin the running gear was conventional Mercedes-Benz, featuring all-round independent suspension (by swing axles at the rear), disc front/drum rear brakes, and a choice of 4-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

The final evolution of the 'Pagoda' was the 280SL, launched in November 1967 with a host of technical improvements and is now seen as the most refined iteration of the W113 Series with the robust new seven-bearing, 2...