2006 SLK with 1964 Pagoda SL Hardtop*&*#$(*!

[Douglas]

I can't believe nobody is talking about this here of all places.

The cover of the WSJ has an article entitled "They don't make em like they used to" that reports how the rollover capabilities of the 41 year-old design of the W 113 hardtop exceed the specs on the current retractable-roof SLK. 14 times more likely to retain at least 90% of its original form. 14 times!

As a result, the factory is now entertaining the idea of a kit that makes it possible to disable the SLK's hardtop and retrofit a Pagoda SL roof: "What started as a design exercise became the latest example in our efforts to recycle critical parts from classic vehicles." From the photos, you can hardly tell where the kevlar begins and where the old sheet metal ends. You'd think it would look awkward, but it's really a very graceful integration of old and new.

This was the kicker: "This program will not necessitate a recall of any vehicles currently out there, but as of April 2 we will discontinue the program in keeping with it no longer being the first of the month."

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[TR]

Douglas -- Where did you see that?  In the hardcopy, newspaper form, of today's WSJ?  Or the on-line edition?  I'd really like to find that article.

Thanks.

Tom in Boise

[mdsalemi]

Doug et al.

While you were wallowing in this little tidbit of news, you missed all the other good bits today.

1)  DCX has announced the availability of a 6 speed manual transmission kit for the 113, through the Classic Center.  This is in response to all the complaints about transmissions, shift points, etc.

2)  Similarly, a small block V12 will be available to add that extra power everyone seems to want; I think it will be about 450 HP, and 600HP in the AMG version.

3) 18" cross drilled Brembo brakes will be available for all 4 wheels, with an ATE anti lock feature.

4)  Becker has announced nearly invisible speakers to add to the 113 for full stereo sound.  A new 500W amplifier can be fitted under the drivers seat.  This is for all who want better sound.  Optional will be a bass module.

5)  Price on the sunvisors has been lowered to USD $49.95 per set.

6)  ZF has announced a vario-differential, which provides dashboard-selectable ratios from 2.00 to 4.11.  Special, matching speedometer is included.  Should provide acceleration AND only 1,000 RPM at 100 km/h

7)  All support, sadly, for 230SL and 250SL models will be discontinued; only parts for 280SL's will be made.  The reasoning is that the 230SL and 250SL were just "practice" until they got it right.

And if you believe any of this &^%$ on 1-April, there's a bridge for sale on eBay....

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored

[Douglas]

When I got to #5 on your list, I knew there was absolutely no way this was real.....

Douglas Kim
New York, NY
280 SL #016220

[TR]

Jeeze I feel like such a chump...

[Jonny B]

Is the bridge going to be offered on ebay?

Today is my birthday (no kidding) so it was fun to read the postings about the new set ups for MB etc.

I knew there was some kind of retro fit coming for my SLK, now the 113 SL hardtop can do double duty!


Jonny B
1967 250SL Auto

[TheEngineer]

Also: Because of the exceedingly good looks of the W113, a French designer will be hired again to sculpt the shape of the new Mercedes automobiles. This decision has been reached because of the apparently complete failure to find a German national with the required artistic talent. However, all the straight lines will still be drawn by a German helper and the mechanical systems, including the engine, will be built by the Elves in the Black Forrest. The automatic transmissions will be designed and built by Fuji Motors.