Mercedes-Benz W113 wedding car hire

The Pagode: a roadster with a roof of its own

Mercedes-Benz built the W113 from 1963 until the early seventies, as the 230 SL, 250 SL and later the 280 SL. It owes its nickname to the removable hardtop: the roof dips slightly in the middle and rises at the edges, which from the side is reminiscent of an Asian temple. Without the hardtop it drives as an open roadster, with a fabric hood for when the weather turns.

As a wedding car, the Pagode has a refined look. It is lower and slimmer than a large saloon, but not as markedly sporty as a Porsche from the same era. The chrome grille with its large star, the upright headlights and the clean lines of the bodywork suit a wedding with style: a garden party, a castle or a town hall in an old city centre.

230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL

The three versions look very similar and all have a six-cylinder engine. The 280 SL from the late sixties is the last and most powerful, with an engine that runs smoothly and quietly. That calm is exactly what makes the Pagode so pleasant on your wedding day: you don't need to drive fast to enjoy it.

What you need to know before you hire a Pagode

The W113 is essentially a two-seater. The couple sit side by side, with no room in the back for witnesses or a photographer. That gives the ride a touch of intimacy, but do arrange separate transport for everyone else.

The dress in an open two-seater

The doors are fairly wide and the step in is low but not extreme. A dress with a full skirt will fit, although the fabric will reach up to the dashboard. It is best to lay a long train over your lap or roll it up in the footwell. With the roof open, a veil is easily blown away; pin it securely or take it off only once you have stopped.

Classic engineering

A classic from the sixties has no modern air conditioning and drives differently from a present-day car: the steering takes more effort and the brakes respond less directly. When you collect the car, ask for a clear explanation of how the hood works and ask what the rental company advises in rain or heat.

Photo moments and route with the W113

A Pagode looks its best on a country lane lined with trees or along the water, with the roof off and the couple visible from the side. If the hardtop is on, ask the photographer to capture it too; the shape of the roof is what makes this model so recognisable. Choose a route without long stretches of motorway, so that you can drive at a relaxed pace.

A planning tip: because only two people fit in, the Pagode is ideal for the quieter part of the day, for example the drive from the town hall to the photo location. Have the witnesses and photographer drive ahead, so that they are ready and waiting when you arrive.

If you would like more seats in the same style, take a look at the other classic Mercedes-Benz wedding cars, such as the Ponton convertible. Or compare the Pagode with other open wedding cars.