Mercedes SL Series lineup in Bombay
The greatest Mercedes Benz of all times have always been the SL-series. Its been almost 50 years since the first SL-series rolled out of the Mercedes Benz factory. Launched in the early fifties as the 190SL, the SL model still continues in the form of the base SL350 and the formidable SL55 AMG. But in these 50 years the SL-series have had only 5 incarnations, each model having desing inspirations from the earlier model, but more technologically advanced.
The Mercedes Benz SL-series continue to have a fan following it all over the world. That does not leave our city, Bombay. Bombay too has the best SL-series. From the most desirable 190SL to the mighty SL55 AMG, we have all[well almost] the incarnations of the SL-series.
SL-series in Bombay:
The SL190 [1955-1963]
Photo Courtesy : sl-mercedes.com
We would be very grateful if you would provide a pic of this car in Bombay.
The Geneva Spring Motor Show in 1955 saw the unveiling of Mercedes-Benz'
190SL. A sumptuous sports car that was as beautiful as it was driveable.
With curves in all the right places and tastefully trimmed in chrome, the
car was something to behold.
The SL [W113] 1963-1971
Photo Courtesy : sl-mercedes.com
We would be very grateful if you would provide a pic of this car in Bombay.
The 113, the third generation SL, was a challenge for the design team. Mercedes
wanted a singular replacement for the popular 190SL and the dynamic 300SL. The
challenge was to meet the practicality of the former, but also to retain the
majesty of the 300SL. The designers were specifically charged with making a car
that was light and comfortable but at the same time the body must be stylish and
elegant, all the while using as many elements from existing series as possible.
The SL 107 [1971 -1989]
1972 saw the introduction of the 107 SL and while its sporting pedigree might
have caused some debate, the 'licht/light' part of its designation was clearly
inappropriate. It now weighed in at 1585Kgs, and given its size of 430cm, would
have been better named Sports Limousine. In fact that is not so far from the
truth in that some of its parts were taken from the S Class itself. Initially,
the new SL shared a number of its parts with other models in the range, but it
clearly had an identity all of its own. Almost unfairly, it was nicknamed the
Panzerwagen at its original production plant, however this was soon forgotten as
it became a coveted status symbol of its time. The W107 version of the Mercedes
SL had a production run of almost two decades. During that time many alterations
were made to the engineering of the car, but outwardly at least, the car
remained true to its original form.
The SL [129] 1989-2002
The fourth generation SL (The R129) enjoyed a successful manufacturing run of 12
years and carried the SL moniker through the nineties with pride. Launched in
1989, following a successful debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the new SL was a
revelation. At first glance, it appeared to have carried over nothing from the
past, it was stripped of the chrome that adorned the 107, had none of the gentle
curves of the Pagoda and seemed big enough to have had a 190 in the boot,
however, the R129 had not abandoned it's heritage, it had just taken it to the
next level.
It was an SL, through and through, two seats (+) with a soft top and additional
hard top, combined with luxurious, prestigious motoring. However, this SL
adopted a more aggressive stance. Its brash corners and wedge shaped design gave
hints of a new attitude to performance. It looked ready to race from the line.
In truth, this was more a reflection on designs of the times and the general
evolution of engineering. It still had that legendary build quality and was
still more interested in luxury and comfort than outright speed. That said, it
was no slouch. At launch, the range offered two 3.0 litre in line 6 cylinder
models. the first, a modest 12 valve affair with a top speed of 140 m.p.h. The
more desirable of the two was the 24 valve edition which boosted power to 231
bhp knocking almost a second from the 0-62 time. However, if you were really in
a rush, there was no more desirable incarnation than the 500SL, a 5.0 litre V8
engine putting out 326 bhp.
The NEW SL [R230] 2002-20??
The new SL is the culmination of half a century's enginering. This, the
fifth generation SL, shows it's pedigree from every angle ,to look at - it
clearly offers hints of SLs from generations gone by, yet at the same time
is an arresting sight, quite different from anything else.
The most obvious change is the retractable hardtop that folds away.This
allows the SL to change from Coupe to Roadster in only 16 seconds at the
press of a single button. As an option this can also be supplied as a
glass panoramic variation. Despite the folding 'Vario' roof the boot space
only diminishes from 288 to 206 litres when the roof is down.
The technology on offer does not stop at the roof. Everything has been
designed from the ground up, take the ignition system. Who needs a key ?
As longs as you have your 'Keyless Go' card about your person, simply walk
towards the car and touch the door handle to unlock the door. Once firmly
ensconced inside, in your 12 way adjustable supple leather seat, just
press the start button and you're away.
The SL55 AMG
The SL55 AMG is a stunning looking car and far more stylistic than its predecessor - which drew many cues from contemporary Mercedes sedans. The 2003 car is all curves and dramatic sculpturing. The nose is sharply raked back and the headlights follow the general style of recent Mercedes coupes. Vents in the bodysides follow a pattern that goes right back to the old Gullwing.
