W113/12 V8 Pagoda

[66andBlue]

I am not sure whether this topic was discussed before but in Engelen mentioned in his book that Ruddolf Uhlenhaut started a project to put the V8 M100 6.3 liter engine into a Pagoda. It was tested at the Nürburgring in July 1967 and the "rocket" turned around the north loop in about 10.3 minutes - very impressive - but the tires lasted only nine rounds! MB later dismantled and destroyed it.

Now some enthusiasts recreated this car as described here with English text: http://www.carbuildindex.com/3739/mercedes-benz-280-sl-restoration-with-6-3-liter-v8/
and more extensively documented here in German: http://www.auto-kromm.de/pagode/album/slides/01-text.html (click on the image symbol!)
I thought GGR might get a kick out of this!  

[GGR]

Yes, it was mentioned on the forum a while back.

I think the Works 6.3 Pagoda was too nose heavy. I also read the tires did not last, but I don't see why they would last less on a lighter Pagoda 6.3 than on an heavier W109 6.3. I also read the front end did not resist the weight of the engine, which I think it is journalists BS as the front end carrier is the same as on the W109 6.3s. I don't know what suspension it had, may be springs. A while ago, I ended up owning a W111 3.5 Coupe that had a 6.9 installed in it in the early 70s in Belgium and the car was also nose heavy with spring suspension (these springs are now on my Pagoda). This is why I then opted for the M117 alloy blocks for my projects.

With air suspension, however, it may be a different matter. In this regard that later creation with air suspension is a very interesting approach, and workmanship looks to be amazing. I would really like to drive that car. It must be very different than mine, less sporty and more comfortable. Much heavier also. Very nice car in any case!