The Mercedes-Benz 230SL was the first variant of the W113 SL-Class to be introduced. Debuting in 1963, the 230 SL featured a 2.3L inline six engine that produced 148hp, which it sent to the rear wheels via manual and automatic transmission options. These cars received the "pagoda" nickname due to its unique detachable hardtop. This name carried on to its successors, the 250SL and 280SL. Production of the 230SL lasted until 1967, with an estimated 19,831 examples built.