Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: lurtch on November 27, 2006, 12:01:23
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Hello to All - -
I just read the write-up for eBay Item number: 290054603670 , a 66 230SL.
The owner states that : < - - These cars did not come with power steering, hence the large steering wheel. - - >
My 66 230SL has power steering. Wasn't power steering standard equipment? My build card has no mention of this feature as an option.
Regards, Larry in CA
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Larry
Power steering was an option right to the end of production I believe and not an easy option to add after as the steering columns are different. It is surprising that they didn't make it standard especially as they seem to recognize that the market for these cars, particularily in the US was not sport's car fans as much as folks who wanted a luxury convertible.
I have power steering as well but have heard that it can be a chore to parallel park without. I guess that explains the large steering wheel too.
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The original window sticker for my '71 shows option 422 as Power Steering at a price of $198. Have a look at the photo attached to the first post on this http://sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=2747+sticker thread.
Ed Cave
Atlanta, GA
1971 280SL
1973 911S
2004 A4 3.0
2006 GS430
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Whew i'm glad my pagoda 280sl came with power steering :)
1969 280sl auto
White exterior
Blue interior
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The cars without power steering had a more indirect steering gear ratio than the cars with power steering, otherwise even with the large steering wheel it would have been very hard to drive at low speeds.
In those years, an older generation of chief designers was in charge that saw car driving as sport and supposedly some work. Besides power steering,they deliberately opposed the introduction of automatic transmissions (a man has to use the clutch and shift, even full synchronisation was a frowned-upon compromise), air conditioning (want air? Open the window!), and window lifters (what's wrong with your arm?). All these amenities were forced on them by the US market, much later than they were available on US cars (e.g. 1955 Ford Thunderbird).
Klaus
1969 280 SL
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My 66 SL came with "Armstrong Steering" I took the P/S out of a 250se installed it in the roadster, then re-sold the sedan with manual steering. I dont remember what mods I did to make the column fit, I think the power steering column is shorter.
al
66 230sl
113-042-10-014715
904/396 blue, Ivory Tex
condition: not-as-rusty-as-before-bucket
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I have owned two 113s - both '66 230SLs (not very far apart in VIN). The first one was short-lived, as it turned out to have major bondo repairs and rust issues that the seller didn't mention (and I was too inexperienced to look for). Luckily, I was able to get out of that deal and get my current car. Anyway, the first car had power steering. When I went to test drive the second (without P/S), I had trouble turning the wheel to get out of the parking space! Now that I'm accustomed to it, I don't even notice. I guess it's good exercise...
-David Pease
'66 French 230SL