- Home
- Brands
Mercedes-Benz- SL
- 1963 SL (W113)
Mercedes-Benz1963 Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1963 |
| Production Years: | 1963 - 1971 discontinued in 1971 |
Precise measurements of the 1963 Mercedes-Benz SL, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4285 mm168.7 in14.1 ft |
| Width: | 1760 mm69.3 in5.8 ft |
| Height: | 1320 mm52.0 in4.3 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 125 mm4.9 in0.4 ft |
| Trunk Capacity: | 340 liter12.0 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 1295 - 1360 kg2855 - 2998 lbs |
| Maximal permitted Weight: | 1650 - 1715 kg3638 - 3781 lbs |
| Tire Specifications | |
| Rims Sizes: | 6 J x 14 HB, 5.5 J x 14 H |
| Tire Size: | 185 HR 14 (W:185 | H:14 | D:0) |
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113), produced from 1963 to 1971, represents a classic era of roadster design that combined elegance with practicality. Known by enthusiasts as the "Pagoda" due to its unique concave hardtop roof, the W113 SL was available primarily as a two-seat luxury sports car, blending comfort, performance, and timeless style. Measuring 4285 mm (168.7 inches) in length, 1760 mm (69.3 inches) in width, and 1320 mm (52 inches) in height, the W113 SL presents a compact yet commanding presence on the road. This size made it agile and easy to handle while still offering sufficient space for driver and passenger comfort. The curb weight ranged between 1295 to 1360 kg (2856 to 2998 pounds), reflecting relatively lightweight construction that contributed to its sporty driving dynamics. Its maximum gross weight extended from 1650 to 1715 kg (3638 to 3780 pounds), supporting an adequate payload capacity. Despite its sporty nature, the SL W113 featured a respectable luggage capacity of 340 liters (approximately 12 cubic feet), allowing passengers to carry essential gear for weekend trips or longer journeys. The ride height or ground clearance measured 125 mm (4.9 inches), typical for a performance-oriented roadster focused on stability and handling. Equipped with 14-inch wheels, the rims measured 6 J x 14 HB for the front and 5.5 J x 14 H for the rear, paired with 185 HR 14 tires, which contributed to the vehicle's balanced and confident stance on the road. This generation of the SL series is notable for its innovative safety features, including a rigid passenger cell and impact-absorbing bumpers, setting new standards in the 1960s sports car segment. The W113 remains a beloved classic today not only for its distinctive styling but also for its engineering excellence and driving enjoyment, making it a prized collector's model and a benchmark for roadster size and design comparison.
Discover the standout features that make the 1963 Mercedes-Benz SL a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113), produced between 1963 and 1971, measures 4285 mm (168.7 inches) in length, 1760 mm (69.3 inches) in width, and 1320 mm (51.97 inches) in height. These dimensions make it a compact and stylish roadster, embodying the classic design ethos of the 1960s. The relatively low height contributes to its sleek, sporty profile, while the moderate width ensures comfortable two-seater cabin space without being overly bulky on the road.
The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) ranges between 1295 kg to 1360 kg (approximately 2856 to 2998 lbs). The maximum allowable weight spans from 1650 kg to 1715 kg (around 3640 to 3781 lbs). This moderate weight range is typical for a classic two-seater roadster with a sturdy build and luxury features. The difference between curb and maximum weight accounts for passengers, luggage, and fuel — balancing performance with safety and stability.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) offers a luggage capacity of 340 liters, which is approximately 12 cubic feet. This storage space is quite generous for a roadster-style car of its era, making it practical for weekend trips or light travel despite its compact size. The capacity is optimized to accommodate suitcases and essential travel gear, ensuring that owners can enjoy sporty driving without sacrificing utility.
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 4285 mm (168.7 inches), width of 1760 mm (69.3 inches), and height of 1320 mm (51.97 inches), it is smaller than many modern vehicles. Standard garages are typically around 2400 to 2700 mm (94.5 to 106 inches) wide and 4800 to 5400 mm (189 to 213 inches) deep, which provides ample space for the W113. Its low ride height of 125 mm (4.9 inches) should not pose clearance issues in typical home settings.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) has a ride height or ground clearance of 125 mm (approximately 4.9 inches). This relatively low clearance suits its sporty roadster design, providing a lower center of gravity which enhances handling and cornering stability. While the low ground clearance improves aerodynamics and driving dynamics on smooth roads, it demands cautious driving over speed bumps or uneven surfaces to prevent scraping the undercarriage.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) rides on 14-inch rims with sizes 6 J x 14 HB for the front and 5.5 J x 14 H for the rear wheels. The tires fitted on these rims are sized 185 HR 14. These specifications were typical for sporty cars of the 1960s, balancing ride comfort with responsive handling. Such sizes contribute to the car's stable road grip and agile performance characteristics.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) succeeded the W198 generation (produced 1954-1963), which included iconic models such as the 300SL. The W113 SL is slightly more compact than its predecessor, with the W198 measuring about 4460 mm (175.6 inches) in length compared to 4285 mm (168.7 inches) for the W113. This reduction in size was intentional to create a more agile and modern roadster. The W113’s lower height and slightly narrower width also reflect improved aerodynamic styling and a focus on sportier driving dynamics, while maintaining luxury and comfort. Overall, the W113 was a balanced evolution bringing modern safety and design upgrades.
Compared to contemporary roadsters from the 1960s, such as the Jaguar E-Type Series 1 and the Porsche 911 of the same era, the Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) held a unique position in terms of size and luxury. The Jaguar E-Type, for example, is longer at around 4480 mm (176.4 inches) but similar in width, while the Porsche 911 is generally shorter and narrower. The W113’s length of 4285 mm (168.7 inches), width of 1760 mm (69.3 inches), and low height made it a compact yet luxurious alternative. It combined sporty dimensions with a refined ride height and impressive interior comfort, making it stand out amongst the competition in terms of balanced proportions.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) features the iconic 'Pagoda' hardtop roof design which influenced its overall height and structural rigidity. This design contributed to a lower height than some predecessors without sacrificing headroom inside the cabin. Its compact dimensions and curb weight, ranging from 1295 to 1360 kg, brought a good balance of agility and comfort. The car’s relatively large luggage capacity of 340 liters and wide track were deliberate design choices that enhanced its usability as a grand touring roadster. This generation also introduced improved safety features such as a padded dashboard and stronger passenger cell, influencing the structural size and weight distribution.
The Mercedes-Benz SL (W113) is a classic two-seater roadster, primarily designed for sporty and comfortable open-air driving. Produced from 1963 to 1971, it blends luxury, style, and performance, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate both elegant design and agile driving dynamics. The SL (W113) was marketed as a grand touring car, suitable for weekend drives or longer journeys with an emphasis on driver engagement and classic Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Its size and features also make it practical enough for occasional longer trips, with sufficient luggage space and passenger comfort.
Discover similar sized cars.
