The Pagoda design story

When it comes to the most memorable and popular classic Mercedes-Benz models of the 60’s and 70’s, a model stands out from the rest: The Pagoda SL W113. The story begins in 1960 when the time had come to replace the 190SL. Following the urge to improve the performance on the successor of the 190SL, Fritz Nallinger [Daimler-Benz director of R&D] teamed up with Friedrich Geiger [Head of Design] and Béla Barényi [Head of Pre-Development Department] to develop the next generation of the most elegant German roadster. Using Barényi’s patents in passenger safety which debuted with the introduction of the W111 sedan, Paul Bracq was given the task of designing the W113 SL overseen by Geiger. Such collaboration among the geniuses of Daimler-Benz resulted in nothing but the best.

The W113 SL was a breakthrough in the automotive industry when the 230SL model was launched at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. It beautifully merged passive safety innovations and exquisite styling in one package, making this model the first sports car in the world with the safety body consisting of front and rear crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell. This generation of SL-class was soon nicknamed as Pagoda because of its concave removable hard-top, a design idea by Bracq. This recognizable roof shape not only resembled the curved roofs of the Pagodas in the Far East, but also provided a better stability at a lesser weight. Overall, such attention to detail by Paul Bracq and his team led to a highly desirable product, a favorite and timeless design work.

Enjoying a sensible design and a fascinating styling, Pagoda is considered a beloved classic roadster for the collectors these days. With less than 49,000 total vehicles produced between 1963-1971, in three variants of 230SL, 250SL and 280SL, it is becoming harder to find a decent conditioned model sold in non-astronomical figures. Perhaps it is this rarity that has led many to acquire a Pagoda in need of a restoration of some sort. At the same time, restoring such a sophisticated vehicle is not a job for a typical local shop since it requires a higher level of expertise and experience in working with this vehicle, not to mention attention to details. Afterall, how many of the knowledagble and qualified experts of such models are left worldwide?

The Ateliers

Paul Bracq was born in 1933 in Bordeaux, France. He started his career at the age of twenty working for the famous French automotive designer, Philippe Charbonneaux. He then joined Daimler-Benz in 1957 where during his career he was also in charge of designing icons such as the W111 coupe, the ultra-luxurious W100 Pullman limousines, C111 concept and many more. Although his career at Daimler-Benz only continued until 1967, his design works made a long-lasting impact on Mercedes-Benz brand and design identity for years to come. He later joined BMW where he was in charge of designing vehicles such as the Turbo concept and production model E24 6 series. He then moved to Peugeot where he retired as the company’s Chief of Interior Design in 1974.

Here is where the story gets even more exciting. In 2013, Paul Bracq and his son Boris established a workshop in their hometown of Bordeaux, named Les Ateliers Paul Bracq, primarily to serve Pagoda owners. As the title suggests, this is no ordinary workshop, it is an Ateliers or translated as the “artist’s studio”. This along with the name of Paul Bracq is a statement that carries more than 60 years of expertise in automotive design, bodywork and passion for automobiles. Let’s put it this way, who else knows every millimeter, bolt, curvature, complexity and technical features of this creation better than the man who envisioned it? Indeed, it is no surprise that such love for Mercedes-Benz and experience has been passing on from father to son too.

Knowing that Bordeaux was the home to Les Ateliers Paul Bracq, and having the opportunity to visit the city, I was very eager to get to know Paul Bracq, his legacy and on-going projects better during my time there. I contacted Boris to pay him a visit just before he headed on a family vacation later in the Summer of 2020. He was kind enough to invite me to the shop considering his limited availability. It would have been a dream come true for me, as an aspiring automotive designer, to meet with Paul Bracq in person; However, due to his age and risks related to COVID-19 pandemic, I abandoned that idea.

Upon my arrival, the familiar blue door of the shop with a large Paul Bracq autograph gave me goosebumps as I realized it was this specific signature that once legitimized every vehicle he had designed at the companies he had worked, and now the Pagodas they restore. I entered the ateliers where it was packed with 10 Pagodas in what seemed like a considerably small space! Then I was welcomed by Boris at his office where we sat down for some conversation over smooth espresso. Noticeably in the office, Paul Bracq’s awards and achievements were displayed.

We started our conversation about the foundation of the shop: “We established the Ateliers in 2013 only providing our expertise for the Pagoda SL models,” Boris said. Then I inquired about the type of services they mainly focus on, of which he noted that they provided any sort of full or partial restorations including all technical, cosmetic or custom works. He then showed me the extensive collection of original Mercedes exterior colors displayed on the wall along with the upholstery samples.

A story with every car

We headed to the shop area where he gave me a tour by pointing out the stories behind every car sitting there. Delighted about the nine Pagodas sitting there all at once, he explained that some of them are currently in the process of major restorations, and some nearly done. He then noted that some of his current clients sent their Pagodas from as far as Thailand and Russia. I was then excited to be introduced to an ongoing concept they were working on: a 2+2 seater Pagoda with a slightly stretched chassis and custom body work which was at the time early in its development, also approved and overseen by Paul Bracq. It didn’t come as a surprise to know that his shop was fully booked until later in 2022, at the time of visit.

Considering their expertise and popularity in the community I asked why wouldn’t the Bracq family take their business to a much larger scale in which Boris responded: “We have definitely considered that in the past, but we rather like to keep the business small so it reflects the amount of attention, time and care we put for every single vehicle, something commonly missing in larger scale businesses… it’s not just about the name.”

Realizing his time was limited, he and another colleague hopped on a Pagoda’s engine which a client of his had requested it to be tuned for the weekend trip. Knowing the work area is not open to non-personnel, I was permitted to indulge myself in enjoying Pagodas in the shop since it was the down time and the majority of employees were on the well-respected European summer vacation. After examining every Pagoda up close with different specs and also paying attention to Boris and his colleague, one more thing also grabbed my attention: the artwork. Hanging on the walls were a variety of works ranging from Paul Bracq’s portrait by his wife Alice, Paul Bracq’s own Mercedes art to original blueprints and orthographic views of the Pagoda SL; it truly reflected the meaning of an ateliers. At the end of the shop, a large painting on canvas was hanging where it showcased a front silhouette of the Pagoda, which is also the Ateliers’ logo.

After some more interesting conversation with Boris and his colleague, I realized the time had flown by and I had spent a good four hours in the shop. As I headed back to the city center, and while reflecting on my experience, I couldn’t forget about the things I had seen and learned during my productive visit to the Les Ateliers Paul Bracq.