Although I haven't read the whole book yet, I will give a chapter overview so you can judge if it's what you need.
Mercedes-Benz SL W113 Series. 1963 to 1971. Written by Brian Long - 208 pages - a hardcover with dust jacket. Published by Veloce. 10" square.
There are 8 chapters and then 5 appendixes (What is the plural of appendix? Perhaps appendii).
Chapter 1 - The three-pointed Star (13 pages) - History of Mercedes Benz. Good black and white photos from the Benz archives, including production line.
Chapter 2 - The SL - born on the track (13 pages) - fantastic detail on the cars, company and people with excellent black and white photos.
Chapter 3 - The 300sl & 190sl (30 pages) - a lot of this has obviously been written about before, but this is VERY well done with superb photos. It just makes you want to empty your wallet! There is a particuarly good full page black and white of a 190sl getting a bit of bonnet up attention in Australia.
Chapter 4 - Birth of the W113 'Pagoda' series (31 pages). The full story of the design and people supported by GREAT factory photos - ideal for getting the detail correct. Also the debut in Geneva, all the literature reproduced and the Spa-Sofia-Liege rally success.
Chapter 5 - The 230sl evolves (40 pages). All the literature, factory photos, stories and full specifications, including colour, upholstery and carpet codes (and the dates introduced). Details on the luggage, racks and all other accessories. There is also detail on the second Belgian rally. Excellent photos and coverage of the Pinifarina sl. A GREAT chapter full of important detail.
Chapter 6 - The 250sl (20 pages). Detail of the new powertrain - photos and cutaways, as well as details from the owner's manuals, adverts and factory photos.
Chapter 7 - End of the line. (28 pages) The 280sl explained in detail. Again excellent factory photos, cutaways and literature illustrate the development, export and domestic markets.
Chapter 8 - An SL for the 70's (10 pages). The development and realisation of the Pagoda replacement - the 107 - again a very well illustrated and well written chapter.
Finally the 5 Appendixes (?)
1 - Year by year range details
2 - Engine specification
3 - Colour and trim summary
4 - Option codes
5 - Chassis numbers and production figures.
As I said in the beginning I have not read the whole book yet - but my initial impression is A MUST HAVE for the pagoda library.
Hope that helps
Richard
