One of the most iconic names in German motoring history, the Mercedes-Benz SL has withstood the test of time.
Australian website Budget Direct recently published a piece looking at seven of the longest-surviving cars in the world and of course, the Mercedes-Benz SL was on the list. While other models have iconic names and some iconic models, every iteration of the historic two-door sports car was a leader in its time while being a collectable today. This includes the legendary Gullwing cars of the first generation and 64 years of sleek lines coupled with high performance, ending up with today’s AMG SL 63 Roadster.
SL History in Pictures
Budget Direct put together these two cool graphics showing the history of the Mercedes-Benz SL, with the first focusing on the front ends while the second gives us a look at the cars from the front, rear and side.
The SL was first introduced back in 1954 with the Mercedes-Benz 300SL, which has become known today for its curvy lines and unique gullwing doors. These are arguably the most-collectable mainstream classic Benz models, turning heads at any car show in the world.
With the arrival of the second generation (W113) SL in 1963, the curvy lines of the gullwing cars began to flatten out, but the design cues of the front end were carried over from the first generation. The third generation (R107) continued that flattening along with giving the car a more linear face.
The fourth generation (R129) launched the design that we see today in 1989 and over the next 29 years and two generation, the lines of the R129 have evolved into the R230 and the R231.
Global Success
The Mercedes-Benz SL line has been going strong since 1954 for a variety of reasons, but keys to success have included introducing revolutionary exterior designs, steady advancements in interior luxury and keeping the car on the forefront of the performance world. Being great-looking and having a plush interior will only get a sports car so far; Mercedes engineers have consistently upgraded this car in a way that appealed to buyers all over the world.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
