History
Milestones in automotive history.
History
Milestones in automotive history.
The story of the "Gullwing" starts in motor racing.
The 300 SL (W 194) was the first newly-designed Mercedes-Benz racing car after the Second World War to be called SL (Super Light).
The newly-developed spaceframe guaranteed a lightweight design and maximum torsional stiffness, but it also made conventional doors impossible. The solution was upward-opening doors. The "Gullwing" was born. In 1954, the 300 SL "Gullwing" (W 198) continued the success story.
Only flying is better.
Open-top two-seater cars were very much in demand in the late 1950s. In 1957, the 300 SL Roadster superseded the legendary "Gullwing"and made open-top driving enjoyment possible for high-performance sports cars, too.
The spaceframe remained the backbone of the Roadster, too. However, the lower side parts allowed conventional, front-hinged doors – the decisive ingredient for an open-top vehicle.
A shrine for those who love open-top motoring.
When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 230 SL (W 113) at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1963, it redefined sporty driving pleasure: power was now combined with comfort and optimum safety.
There were three versions of the 230 SL available: a Roadster with a folding soft top, a pure hardtop Coupé and a combination of both versions. The 230 SL was quickly nicknamed "Pagoda" on account of its inward slanting hardtop which made it reminiscent of far-eastern temple constructions.
Innovative evergreen.
The transition to a comfortable yet powerful two-seater made a compelling step forward with the R 107 model series from 1971 onwards – indeed, the 350 SL from 1971 was the first SL to feature eight cylinders.
With an output of 147 kW (200 hp), it accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in nine seconds. The fuel tank was now installed above the rear axle for protection in the event of a collision. Other new features included the four-spoke steering wheel with a large impact plate and reach-through door handles that stopped the doors from springing open in an accident.
Beautifully sporty.
The fabric soft top opened and closed in just 20 seconds at the touch of a button, making it much more convenient to use.
This model generation combined numerous world firsts: the sport-inspired seats with integrated seat belts, the fully automatic folding soft top and a draught-stop for draught-free open-top motoring. The 5.0-litre four-valves-per-cylinder V8 engine in the 500 SL had an output of 240 kW (326 hp) and allowed exceptionally sporty driving.
The world's most powerful roadster.
Substantially enhanced technology, design and equipment. In contrast to its predecessors, this SL carried its hard roof with it at all times.
The Vario roof opened and closed at the touch of a button – even via remote control – within 16 seconds. 2004 saw the launch of the range-topping SL 65 AMG – the world's most powerful and high-torque roadster with 612 hp (450 kW) and 1000 Nm.
