Mercedes caused a sensation at the 1963 Geneva Show with the 230 S,its pagoda-style roof had the advantage of increasing the surface area of the side windows. Also available in a cabriolet version, the 230 SL had its first outing on the small Veytraz-Monthoux race track near Annemasse where the world's press was greeted by professors Nallinger and Uhlenhaut, accompanied by press officer Arthur Käser.