Nardi-Personal Steering Wheel for Mercedes-Benz W113 SL

Nardi ND Classic (often produced under the Nardi-Personal umbrella) is the most popular aftermarket steering wheel for the Mercedes-Benz W113 “Pagoda.” It offers a thinner, more elegant mahogany rim and polished aluminum spokes that perfectly complement the chrome-heavy interior of the 230SL, 250SL, and 280SL.

Listing Details

• Mercedes-Benz W113 SL Steering Wheel
• Produced by Nardi in Italy
• Polished Spokes
• Wood Rim
• Three-Pointed Star Horn Button

1. The Ideal Specification: 390mm vs. 360mm

For a W113, the choice of diameter is critical due to the car’s lack of speed-sensitive power steering (or lack of power steering entirely on some early 230SLs).

• 390mm (15.3″): This is the “correct” size for a Pagoda. It closely mimics the large diameter of the factory ivory/black plastic wheel, maintaining the proper leverage for parking maneuvers and keeping the gauges visible through the top half of the wheel.

• 360mm (14.2″): Often chosen for a “sportier” look or to provide more legroom. However, it can obscure the top of the speedometer and tachometer and makes the steering feel significantly heavier.

2. Hub Adapter (The “Boss” Kit)

You cannot bolt a Nardi wheel directly to the Mercedes steering column. You need a specific hub adapter:

• Part Number: The standard Nardi hub for the W113 is #4301.14.2801.

• Fitment Note: The W113 used a fine-spline steering column. Late-model 280SLs (1968–1971) are generally straightforward, but early 230SLs sometimes require a specific horn-contact ring modification to ensure the horn still works after the swap.

• Collapsible Hub: Modern Nardi hubs are designed to collapse upon impact, a significant safety upgrade over the rigid aftermarket hubs of the 1970s.

3. Horn Button & Details

A genuine Nardi-Personal set for a Mercedes typically includes:

• The Horn Button: Usually features the Mercedes-Benz Three-Pointed Star on a blue or black background.

• The Finish: For the W113, Polished Spokes are the standard choice to match the interior chrome. “Satin” or “Black” spokes are generally considered too modern for the Pagoda’s aesthetic.

• The Signature: Authentic wheels have “E. Nardi” engraved on the right-hand spoke.