A Blast From the Past – The 2009 Mercedes SL Roadster
At last, the Mercedes-Benz SL appears to have come full circle. The line debuted in 1957 as an offshoot of the sporty and unique Gullwing coupe. The first generation of SL roadsters remained largely the same until its first redesign in 1963. These roadsters set a standard that many believe later models simply did not achieve.
The vehicles continued to be powerful, performance-driven machines. However, Mercedes chose a design trend that was intended to be sophisticated, but some drivers felt was unnecessarily wimpy. By the mid-1980s, the SL was going through an identity crisis, providing the power and handling of a sports car but the body of a more sedate model.
In 1989, Mercedes-Benz began working to rectify the SL’s image. After a major redesign, the 1989 SLs were hefty vehicles. The new bulky, rugged look was designed to correspond to the roadster’s power. Many critics agreed that the design was an improvement over its predecessors, but did not feel that the heavy, squared off body was the best choice. Over the next several cycles, the design was tweaked and improved.
In 2002, a new, more sensuous version of the SL was released. The vehicle utilized curves and sleek, rounded shapes in place of the sharp angles of its predecessor. Meanwhile, the power and technology continued to improve.
The 2009 Mercedes SL has finally come full circle. The latest version is largely the same as the most recent cycle inside and out. However, the body design has been tweaked. Today’s SL has finally returned to its sporty roots.
If you are a fan of classic Mercedes, why not stop by our convenient local dealership to test drive the new SL for yourself? These Mercedes-Benz vehicles blend the best of old and new into a sporty and exciting driving experience.
For a look at the Mercedes SL, stop by our Philadelphia Mercedes dealer, Mercedes – Fort Washington, PA, or Mercedes – Wilmington, DE.
Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
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