History of the Mercedes-Benz SL – Video

An automotive icon turns 60 and thanks to the latest video from Mercedes-Benz TV, we are able to experience the history of this exceptional sports car.  The SL started its career in the racing circuit in 1952 and after winning 4 out of 5 races, the SL became a legend.  The series version of the racing SL was launched 2 years later and won sports car of the century in 1999.  The 190 SL was the first SL to be offered as a convertible and ushered in an entirely new audience to the SL.  The 230 SL was next in line and was nicknamed the pagoda.  Not only was the 230 SL extremely comfortable, it was also the first SL with an automatic transmission.  In 1971 the R107 was released with an 8 cylinder engine and was in production for 18 years.  The success of the SL continued into the 90’s when the R129 was presented in 1989.  From 1992 on the SL was available with a 12 cylinder and thanks to revolutionary safety technology, the SL is once again one of the safest cars on the road.  With the generation change in 2001, the SL continues to combine sportiness, style, comfort and innovation.