A Brief History of the Mercedes-Benz SL Class
The newly redesigned 2009 SL Class is being heavily touted as a return to the legendary vehicle’s roots. After decades of gradually growing more and more luxurious but less and less sporty, the new SL returns leaner, sleeker and sportier. In order to draw accurate comparisons between the new SL and the vehicles that started the line, however, it is important to understand the line’s history. Jeremy Clarkson of the UK’s Times Online recently gave us a synopsis history of the legendary Mercedes SL.
The Gullwing
The SL line began life in 1952 as the now-legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. Light and aerodynamic, the vehicles featured a tubular chassis and doors that opened up rather than out. For an additional fee, the entire car could be ordered in aluminum rather than the heavier steel. Today, the Gullwing is spoken of in almost reverent whispered tones.
The Feminine Version
In 1963, the SL underwent a dramatic transformation. Gone were the trademark Gullwing doors and body built for racing. Instead, the new SL was flirty, fun and undeniably feminine in nature. Indeed, women purchased these SLs in record numbers.
The Dallas Years
The next version of the SL came in 1972 in the form of Bobby Ewing’s car on the hit television show Dallas. The new version was practical and functional rather than sporty or feminine. This version lasted until 1989.
Technology Comes to the SL Class
In 1989, yet another version of the SL was released. The new version was packed to the rafters with the latest technical gadgetry, including an 11 motor electric roof. The design was again feminine, offering a vehicle that would appeal to a wide cross section of buyers.
The Luxury Years
In 2001, Mercedes built on the technological advances of the 1989 version of the SL. Throughout the early 2000s, the Mercedes SL became a vehicle that was heavy on technological upgrades and luxury style, becoming extremely popular in the high-end market. However, it was not until the most recent redesign that the luxury of the new SL was again married to the power and sportiness of the original vehicle.
To check out a Mercedes SL, please visit Fort Washington Mercedes, your Philadelphia Mercedes dealership, or your Wilmington Mercedes.
Filed Under: Mercedes-Benz Vehicles
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