Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => W11x chassis cars => Topic started by: GGR on January 22, 2016, 05:49:59

Title: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: GGR on January 22, 2016, 05:49:59

I see from time to time the W111 Coupe being referred to as the "Opera" Coupe, a bit like W113s being referred to as "Pagodas". For the latter, we know the nickname comes from the shape of its roof. But what about the "Opera" nickname?

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: Benz Dr. on January 22, 2016, 16:27:22

I think it's because that talk show host with her own network once owned one.

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: mmizesko on January 22, 2016, 17:54:00

OK Dan,

Now that made me laugh.

Mike Mizesko

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: Bonnyboy on January 22, 2016, 18:41:34

Opera Coupe didn't make much sense to me for the Mercedes W111 as I thought the Opera coupe was so named so the distinguished could sit in the back without taking their hats off when they went to the opera.      Now the tiny windows on the sides were so they could see out and people wouldn't see them inside the car sitting with their goofy hats still on.

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: Benz Dr. on January 22, 2016, 18:52:54

Actually, I think it's more 107 SLC than 111.

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: 66andBlue on January 23, 2016, 18:48:42

Quote from: GGR on January 22, 2016, 05:49:59

I see from time to time the W111 Coupe being referred to as the "Opera" Coupe, a bit like W113s being referred to as "Pagodas". For the latter, we know the nickname comes from the shape of its roof. But what about the "Opera" nickname?

According to Hemmings:
Opera Coupe: A two-door with a single row of permanent seating and folding occasional or jump seats as the second row.
http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2007/03/Club-Coupes/1423429.html

A more detailed explanation can be found on the German Wikipedia: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coup%C3%A9#Opera_Coup.C3.A9
Google translation:
The Opera Coupe (in Europe also: Coupé Opéra) is one of the oldest versions of the coupe with four seats, two of them on a bench in the rear. In addition to the driver, there are only a jump seat, to facilitate access to the rear seats. [7] After the First World War coupes were slightly larger interior, four to five seats and wider doors so designated. They often had a round or oval window in the rear part of the roof, sometimes with leather-covered roof and / or storm brackets. There are therefore overlaps the Five Window Coupe, the Sports Coupé and Coupé Club; The latter replaced the Opera Coupe end of the 1920s from. [8]

Title: Re: Origin of the "Opera Coupe" nickname?
Post by: perry113 on January 28, 2016, 01:53:25

Or they could have just meant it was the perfect coupe to take to the Opera.