Mercedes-Benz SL 230, 250, 280 Pagoda, W113

Historical notes, colors and origin materials:

It often happens to observe many different shades of dye colors in Pagoda woods These countless shades and colors are due essentially to effects of after interventions and to the action of the sun.

Some kits similar in appearance have been marketed, but which in fact are completely different from the original for shape and color.

We can clearly read on original “Lederpolsterungen” cards, the document that indicates the interior color schemes (without any difference between MB-Tex or leather), the following details:

• all 230 SL and 250 SL are veneered with walnut straight-grain Walnut, there is no mention of colors. However, the analysis of the originals indicates that the veneers were dyed in dark brown;
• all 280 SL are veneered with dark brown dyed walnut.

In both cases, the wooden parts are indicated as “lacquered”: this has to be intended as a glossy open-pore painting, or a thin film of paint (often laid out in only two coats) that copy perfectly the wood structure and the grain; observing a piece in backlight, we can see clearly the wood texture.

Hardtop wood:

I developed an hardtop wood profile for these cars. It is exactly the same as the original for shape and appearance and veneered in Walnut. However, the piece has a carbon fibre core, in order to avoid the chronic delamination and distortion problems that afflict the original.

Precious wood kit:

As a philological upgrade, I propose the restoration or the realization of Pagoda woodworking using precious wood species as the German manufacturer did in other cars in the same age: European Walnut burl, Makasar ebony and Rosewood with glossy epoxy finish.

Composite material kit:

A complete kit with composite materials core is under tests.