New Pagoda Book - In French!

[mdsalemi]

Hello All,

I spoke with Paul Bracq today, and he told me of this new book:

http://albd-asso.blogspot.com/2010/01/les-mercedes-pagode.html

Written by Jean-Luc Fournier (noted French auto writer so I am told)

100 pages, color, 35 euros.

[Flyair]

just got it. It's great
Stan

[VincentR]

Hi All?

I've got this book.
Good information globally.
I think there is one big mistake on page 71 as regards the front axle and rear axle drawings. I've never seen such axles on W113.
Please clarify if you agree with the autor or not on that point.

Best regards.
Viincent R (France).

[mdsalemi]

Just received my book yesterday, it's quite nice--would be better if I could read a word of it.  Now if I find interesting bits I'll have to go to an online translate site.

You are correct Vincent--that is NOT an image of a W113 rear suspension in the middle image on page 71.  I do not know what it is from, but certainly not a Pagoda.

More embarassingly for the author, the photo caption is quite involved about "the new rear suspension for the 280SL", and goes on to describe dual articulated triangles.  Well, that's what they show, but that's not what it is!

[Naj ✝︎]

Got one yesterday.

Thanks Michael.

Now, back to the French lessons.

naj

[mbzse]

You are correct Vincent--that is NOT an image of a W113 rear suspension in the middle image on page 71.  I do not know what it is from, but certainly not a Pagoda.
More embarassingly for the author, the photo caption is quite involved about "the new rear suspension for the 280SL", and goes on to describe dual articulated triangles

I haven't received my copy of this book yet, so I write the following just based on your comments on this Forum.
You mention a picture of a rear axle setup with dual articulated triangules. As you are aware, this is what was developed for the Compact /8, the W114/115 series, and was introduced in beginning 1968.
 Now, Engelen mentions ("Vom Barock zur Pagode" page 182) that this type of /8 rear suspension was fitted to a W113, for trial purposes, in Sept/Oct 1967.  Perhaps this is what the French author J-L Fournier refers to?
The roadster replacing the Pagoda, the R107, had a similar rear suspension setup when introduced in 1972.
/Hans in Sweden

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[mbzse]

Ok, got my copy now
Overall, I think it is a good Pagoda book indeed  
However, I cannot comment on some of the text, I need some additional translation still

The following comments come to my mind when leafing through it:
P 51    ZF 5-speed mentioned in text, picture shows normal 4-speed knob
P 68    The picture shows a M130 (280SL) engine, not M129 (although they certainly are very similar) compare page 88
P 68    The full wheel disc came with the /8 series, Jan 1968 (280SL that is) All 250SL had separate trim ring and central cap
P 71    Sectioned engine illustrated is a carburetted type, not for Pagoda
P 71    The front suspension (/8 type) was never fitted to a W113. Why illustrate it here? The rear was tested on one prototype W113
P 87    The inadequate Anson Pagoda 1:18 model is shown in two pictures. The very good Norev 1:18 Pagoda is only mentioned in text, P84
/Hans in Sweden

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[mdsalemi]

Hans,

I believe the author, Jean-Luc Fournier is an automotive writer in France (with some other books he's written) not a Pagoda expert like you collectively find here.  These kinds of mistakes are to be forgiven I would suppose?

However, the gorgeous vintage color on the cover was worth the price alone.

Now, as Naj suggested, perhaps I should have French lessons? 

[mbzse]

Hans,
../... These kinds of mistakes are to be forgiven I would suppose?

Yes, yes forgiven... I'm just a stickler for "getting it right" I guess...
Fault or virtue  

Sometime happens that people come up with "this is the way it was from
factory, I know because it says in so and so author's book"

One of the few exceptions when it comes to W113 books is the G. Engelen "Vom Barock zur Pagode"
It was researched from M-B archive material. I have not heard of anyone spotting a
mistake in that book. Reliable
/Hans in Sweden

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[Naj ✝︎]

Hans,


Now, as Naj suggested, perhaps I should have French lessons? 

Michael, start woth German. Engelen's book is much more interesting.

naj

[dean]

Just got my copy. Great book!

Thanks Michael for finding it and sharing it with us.

Will be reading it cover to cover soon... 

But for now i will take it with me tomorrow to the New York Pagoda get together in Bedford.

Regards,

Dean

[Flyair]

In fact, while the book is about our venerable Pagoda cars, a very large part of the text focuses on Paul Bracq, the famous Pagoda designer.
It is a very nice tribute to this Frenchman who managed to impose his refreshing views within Mercedes designer team in Germany. Remember that expatriation and global village concept was not popular at the time, so let's appreciate his determinantion and efforts.
Thank to Bracq we can enjoy today not only our Pagodas, but also this outstanding SL113.org community
Stan