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Mercedes-Benz Collection miniatures in 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18: The new SL - the legendary sports car now in miniature for collectors' display cabinets

By Adji | Published Sunday, 29 April 2012

Car enthusiasts have been dreaming of owning their own Mercedes-Benz SL for 60 years. But it is not just the genuine article in the garage that provokes covetous looks. High-grade miniatures of this luxury sports car have also long been sought after. Following the market launch of the new SL, the Mercedes-Benz Collection now includes the roadster – faithfully reproduced in every detail, down to the original paintwork – as 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18 scale models.

The miniatures boast the classic SL proportions and an incredible attention to detail covering everything from the air outlets to the lovingly recreated interior. Developed using the original CAD data, the hand-assembled precision models are extraordinarily faithful to the original and comprise up to 104 component parts. The roadster roof is enclosed separately.

These collectors' models, produced in partnership with the well-known manufacturers Herpa and Norev, are available from Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets, Mercedes-Benz dealerships, the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the online shop (shop.mercedes-benz.com).

All model cars in the Mercedes-Benz Collection come in Mercedes-Benz designer packaging. A screwdriver is enclosed with the 1:18 scale models, allowing the model to be removed from its screw-fastened packaging with the minimum of fuss. The cars also come with a glove to protect the miniature from fingerprints.

This is an overview of the three SL miniatures:

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in collection, mbnews, mercedes-benz, miniatures, SL | Leave a comment

60 years of SL: Paying tribute to SL history during the 2012 Mille Miglia

By Adji | Published Saturday, 21 April 2012

Mercedes-Benz’s association with the Mille Miglia is an enthralling story, full of great sporting moments. The high points include the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing sports car’s (model series W 194) first entry into the 1000-mile race 60 years ago: in May 1952, Karl Kling scored second and former champion Rudolf Caracciola came fourth. This represented a promising start to Mercedes-Benz’s return to the international motorsport arena.

For this year’s Mille Miglia, Mercedes-Benz Classic is paying homage to that 1952 premiere and other successes achieved by the Stuttgart-based racing department in the legendary road race first held 85 years ago: from 17 to 20 May 2012 an original 300 SL racing sports car will be taking part in the 1000-mile rally from Brescia to Rome and back. These days, the Mille Miglia is an event for vintage vehicles which only those types of classic cars dating from the original road race between 1927 and 1957 may enter. 2012 sees this historic Mille Miglia – one of the most exciting events for classic cars at all – being held for the 30th time.

The organisers aim to fill the field with exemplars of authentic cars and as many original vehicles from the era of the Mille Miglia races of speed as possible. In addition to the 300 SL (W 194) racing sports car, therefore, Mercedes-Benz Classic will be represented by a large number of other exclusive vehicles ranging from the SSK racing touring car to the 300 SLR (W 196 S) racer and the standard 300 SL (W 198 I) sports car. The line-up includes the 300 SLR driven by Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1955 Mille Miglia (his starting number then was 658 and he placed second overall) and the 300 SL production car with which John Cooper Fitch won a class victory among the GT sports cars with a displacement above 1300 cc that same year (starting number 417, ranked fifth overall). A Mercedes-Benz 180 D will also be there – a saloon of this model won the diesel class of the 1955 Mille Miglia.

The 2012 Mille Miglia kicks off on 16 May with the technical checks and other items on the agenda in Brescia. There is also a special “Mercedes-Benz Champions at Mille Miglia” exhibition at the Museo Mille Miglia in Brescia. Daimler entered into a strategic partnership with the museum in January 2012 and, among other fascinating topics, the present exhibition covers the 1952 racing debut of the 300 SL prototypes and the legendary victories by Rudolf Caracciola in 1931 in a Mercedes-Benz SSKL and by Stirling Moss in 1955 in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.

On 17 May, the 376 participating vehicles will be presented to the public in the old town of Brescia before the first car sets off at 6.30 p.m. All cars will then head to Ferrara, the end of the first stage, arriving by late evening and passing Lake Garda via Verona, Vicenza and Padua en route. From Ferrara, the event continues next morning (18 May) to Ravenna, through the Republic of San Marino and then on to Rome. The third and final leg goes from Rome to Viterbo, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Modena, Reggio nell’Emilia and Cremona before the participants arrive back in Brescia on 19 May. The awards ceremony takes place on 20 May. This year, the Mille Miglia’s route crosses the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Tuscany.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the 2012 Mille Miglia

Mercedes-Benz SSK (W 06), 1928–1932
Of the supercharged six-cylinder sports cars in the Mercedes-Benz S-series, the SSK (model series W 06) is the most exclusive and beguiling. The model designation is an abbreviation of “Super-Sport-Kurz” (German for Super-Sport-Short) because it combines a short wheelbase with extreme sportiness. On 29 July 1928, the brand-new SSK was driven straight to victory by factory racing driver Rudolf Caracciola in the Gabelbach race and other races such as the Schauinsland hill climb near Freiburg and at Mont Ventoux. In 1930 and 1931 the SSK helped Caracciola win the European Hillclimbing Championship. With its weight reduced and performance enhanced further, the 1931 version – also known as the SSKL (Super-Sport-Short-Light) – achieved equally spectacular successes. One of the most significant was victory in the legendary 1000-mile Mille Miglia: in April 1931, Rudolf Caracciola in the SSKL became the first non-Italian to win the gruelling road race from Brescia to Rome and back.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 194), 1952
Mercedes-Benz returned to international motorsport in 1952 with the 300 SL racing sports car (model series W 194). A lightweight space frame forms the basis of this sports car over which a light alloy body made of aluminium/magnesium sheet metal elegantly curves. Because the space frame sits comparatively high at the sides it was not possible to fit the W 194 with conventional doors, which is how the racing sports car comes to have its distinctive, upwardly opening gullwing doors. This detail became part of the production model 300 SL sports car (W 198 I) in 1954. The W 194 is powered by the 175 hp (129 kW) M 194 six-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 2996 cc. The 300 SL made its racing debut in May 1952 at the Mille Miglia, having been unveiled for the first time that March. Some of the W 194’s greatest successes in the 1952 racing season were a threefold victory in the Prix de Berne race, double victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 3rd Carrera Panamericana and victory in the Nürburgring Anniversary Sports Car Grand Prix.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S), 1955
Mercedes-Benz won the 1955 World Sportscar Championship with the 300 SLR. This sports car is based on the chassis of the W 196 Formula One racing car but has two seats and a three-litre, eight-cylinder in-line engine made of light alloy in place of the 2.5-litre Formula One engine with its steel cylinders. Delivering 310 hp (221 kW), the 300 SLR is superior to its competitors from 1955, as documented by gaining first and second place in the Mille Miglia, the Eifel race on the Nürburgring, the Swedish Grand Prix and the Targa Florio. The 1955 Mille Miglia was won by Stirling Moss assisted by navigator Denis Jenkinson at an average speed of 157.65 km/h, a record that has never been beaten. Pacenotes proved invaluable in achieving this victory and at the time were a new technique allowing Jenkinson to direct the driver Moss very effectively. Juan Manuel Fangio came second driving solo. In Sweden and the 24 Hours of Le Mans the 300 SLRs were assisted by an “air brake” – a 0.7-square metre hood over the rear axle that could be hinged up when braking to increase braking performance. At Le Mans Mercedes-Benz withdrew the 300 SLRs, which were in the lead, after an accident involving the Belgian Pierre Levegh through no fault of his own.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198 I), 1954–1957
The 300 SL gullwing made its debut in February 1954 at the International Motor Sports Show in New York. This high-performance sports car is based on the legendary racing sports car from the 1952 season. A lightweight, torsionally stiff space frame carries the engine, transmission and axles. As with the racing version, there is no room for conventional doors and so the gullwing doors are a distinctive feature of the 300 SL (model series W 198 I). The gullwing model is also a champion of innovation in other respects: it was the world’s first production passenger car to be powered by a four-stroke engine featuring petrol injection. This boosted efficiency as well as engine output to 215 hp (158 kW), a 20 percent increase on the carburetted competition-only version and permitting a top speed of up to 260 km/h, depending on the transmission ratio installed. This makes the 300 SL the fastest production vehicle of its time and the dream sports car of the 1950s. It was also driven to victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia by the team comprising John Fitch and Kurt Gesell, winning the Gran Turismo production class above 1600 cc and coming fifth overall. Also in the Gran Turismo class, the team comprising Olivier Gendebien and Jacques Washer ranked seventh overall. The 300 SL took part in the 1956 Mille Miglia too: in the big GT class the team of Prince Metternich and Count Einsiedel came in sixth.

Mercedes-Benz 180 D (W 120), 1954–1959
The first diesel-engined version of the Mercedes-Benz 180 (model series W 120) was premiered in January 1954. The Stuttgart-based brand now offered its modern “Ponton” saloon with a compression-ignition assembly outputting 40 hp (29 kW) with a displacement of 1767 cc. From 1953 (preproduction series) to 1959, a total of 114,046 model 180 D saloons were built. With a top speed of up to 110 km/h, this diesel saloon cannot compare with the racing and sports cars that were favourites to win the Mille Miglia overall in 1955. However, the 180 D is a highly contemporary car with a self-supporting body and what is known as a subframe to which the front wheels, located by double wishbones, were attached. The car proved its strength and reliability in the Italian road race: Mercedes-Benz entered several 180 D vehicles, culminating in a threefold win in the diesel class for the cars with starting numbers 04, 09 and 010A.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2012, 60SL, mercedes-benz, mille miglia, SL | Leave a comment

LEAKED: First look at the BRABUS Sport Program for the new SL-Class (R 231)

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 18 April 2012

From all tuners specialized on prepping hot Mercedes-Benz cars, BRABUS is definitely the ultimate no. 1. The Bottrop-established German firm is committed to offer its very own touch on almost each and every model in the lineup of the Stuttgart-based constructor. Their sheer dedication turns now to the new SL roadster, which has just received a bespoke package of special tweaks.

In the aesthetics department, the SL (R 231) by BRABUS features the popular AMG Sports Pack that is now further enhanced with the addition of the new and stylish MONOBLOCK WHEELS. Some BRABUS chromed badges on the body remind of the origins of this car. However, this is only a usual, start-up mild tuning program from the German tuner, so this prepped SL stays Mercedes-Benz when it comes to the passenger shuttle, with no visual differences to the standard version whatsoever.

The development basis for this BRABUS SL is the SL 500 variant, powered by the 4.7-litre V8 biturbo engine delivering 435 hp and 700 Nm. Performance level is improved with the introduction of the complexe BRABUS PowerXtra CGI tuning kit, which enables an output increase by 85 hp (up to 520 hp), whereas maximum torque climbs to 820 Nm. After the substantial engine modification, the new BRABUS Mercedes-Benz SL could reach a top speed of 300 km/h. Not bad, ain't it?

And we feel there's more to come. What about an extreme BRABUS 800 SL Roadster, equipped with the tremendous 12-cylinder unit producing a massive 800 hp peak output and 1420 Nm high-end torque, that enables the car to reach a maximum speed of 350 km/h? It sounds very likely for 2013 and this is a chance BRABUS won't let go, we say.

Stay focused as more official information will be released next days. Till then, take time and surf the picture gallery of the new BRABUS SL (R 231).

Photo Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in auto china 2012, brabus, mercedes-benz, program, r231, SL, tuning | 1 Comment

First SL of the new series delivered at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Customer Center

By Adji | Published Tuesday, 3 April 2012

The first example of the new SL series has been recently delivered to its owner at the Mercedes-Benz Customer Center in Bremen. Klaus Hahn, a furniture store owner from Solingen, Germany, came along with his wife to pick up the roadster. "I've been owning SL roadsters for 20 years, because I like the combination of comfort and sportiness. I find the technology of the new model particularly fascinating.", said Hahn. He opted for an SL 350 version in metallic Cavansit Blue paint job.

Andreas Keller, head of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Bremen: "For the new edition of this automotive icon, we have designed our body shop from scratch. The new SL is produced almost entirely from aluminum and this site has now become an excellence center for lightweight construction technology. We are very proud that Bremen continues the success story of this cult sports car. "

In 1952, the forefather of the SL was taking part in international grands prix as racing car. In 1954, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the first street-legal model: the legendary 300 SL Gullwing. In 1963, 1971, 1989 and 2001 further generations of the sports roadster followed, which were first produced at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen and, since 1989, at the Bremen facility too. Over 650,000 SLs were manufactured after serial production started in 1954.

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous letters "SL" – super, lightweight – literally. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has implemented an all-aluminium bodyshell in a series-production model. Only very few components consist of other materials. The designers use the even lighter magnesium for the cover behind the tank. High-strength steel tubing is integrated in the A-pillars for safety reasons. The aluminium structure is not only lighter but also proves superior to the predecessor's steel construction in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. Compared to the previous model, the new SL 350 is 140 kilograms lighter, whereas the new SL 500 weighs 125 kilograms less.

Mercedes-Benz offers the new SL in two distinct versions: SL 350 with a V6 engine and SL 500 with a V8 biturbo unit. The new BlueDIRECT engines deliver 225 kw (306 hp) in the SL 350 and, respectively, 320 kW (435 hp) in the SL 500.

The new SL features two world premieres: the FrontBass system provides a concert hall atmosphere even in an open car. It uses the free space in the hollow aluminum structures in front of the footwell as a resonating chamber for the woofer. MAGIC VISION CONTROL is a new and highly efficient wiper/washer system. The innovative wiper blade concept always applies the washer fluid just in front of the wiper blade lip via the channels integrated into the blade – in both directions of wipe. For the first time, a fully heated wiper blade is available as an option that prevents snow or ice from forming on the blade in winter.

The HANDS-FREE ACCESS system is another Mercedes-Benz innovation which provides hands-free, contactless operation of the boot lid. The driver simply moves their foot in the vicinity of the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz is the only car maker to offer a system which not only automatically opens the boot lid but closes it as well.

About the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Plant

With more than 12,800 employees, the Bremen plant is the largest private employer in the region. Currently, eight models are produced at the site: the C-Class sedan, the C-Class station wagon and the C-Coupe (together with the Black Series version of the C 63 AMG Coupe), the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, the GLK and both SLK and SL roadsters. In 2011, the plant has produced over 313 000 vehicles, which is more than ever before. The market research firm J.D. Power and Associates has awarded the factory last year for its production quality as the best passenger car production plant in Europe. In the future, the facility will play an important role in the Mercedes-Benz production network: it is bound to become a competence center for high-volume series cars with the launch of the next generation C-Class.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in black series, bremen, center, delivered, first, mbnews, mercedes-benz, new, SL, sl-class | Leave a comment

Available at dealerships from 31 March 2012: Market launch of the new Mercedes-Benz SL

By Adji | Published Sunday, 1 April 2012

Supreme sportiness, style and comfort define the new SL Roadster from Mercedes-Benz, which is available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners from 31 March 2012. Its body and body-in-white have been produced as all-aluminium constructions for the first time. At the market launch, there is a choice of two new powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines featuring cutting-edge injection technology, with ECO start/stop function as standard. These engines are up to 29 percent more fuel-efficient than their predecessors. Two world-firsts are also being premiered in the new SL – the Frontbass system for the ultimate in listening pleasure even with the roof open and the MAGIC VISION CONTROL wiper/washer system, which applies the water to the windscreen directly from the wiper blade.

The new generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL takes the meaning of the famous abbreviation "SL" – super-light – quite literally.Systematic weight reduction is one of the outstanding structural design features of the new SL. Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales and Marketing, elaborates: "It was around 60 years ago that we celebrated the successful launch of our first super-light sports car. Since then, every generation of the SL has set new standards. And with the new model we are continuing this tradition."

The new SL sees Mercedes-Benz introducing an all-aluminium body-in-white into volume production for the first time. Together with a host of other intelligent improvements to points of detail, this leads to an overall weight reduction of up to 140 kilograms in comparison to the predecessor model. The aluminium structure is also superior to the predecessor's steel design in terms of rigidity, safety and comfort. "The new SL is the safest roadster in the world!" says Schmidt.

Environmental Certificate for the new Mercedes-Benz SL

The neutral inspectors from the TÜV Süd technical inspection authority have confirmed the high environmental compatibility of the new Mercedes-Benz SL in good time for the market launch, duly awarding the sporty and stylish Roadster the Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard TR 14062. This certification is based on an exemplary life-cycle assessment for the SL, which entailed a comprehensive analysis of the Roadster's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle – from production through extensive service to recycling at the end of its life.The results make good reading: the new SL-Class reveals advantages over the previous model in all impact categories. Primary energy requirements have been reduced by 23% and NOx emissions by 16% over the entire life cycle, for example. In addition, the new SL incorporates a higher percentage of high-quality recyclates and renewable raw materials. For the first time in automotive engineering, a secondary alloy has been qualified for aluminium inner panels in the body-in-white, in order to minimise the environmental impact in the manufacturing process. This goes far beyond the legal requirements. The Environmental Certificate and supplementary information are made available to the public in the "Life Cycle" documentation series, which is retrievable at http://www.mercedes-benz.com . In addition to the SL, the models of the A-, B-, C-, E-, M- and S-Class, the GLK, the SLK and the CLS have also received the Environmental Certificate from TÜV Süd.

Prices in Germany for the new Mercedes-Benz SL incl.19 % VAT:

- SL 350 93,534 euros
- SL 500 117,096 euros

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2012, launch, market, mbnews, mercedes-benz, new, R 231, SL | Leave a comment

Techno Classica 2012: Mercedes-Benz SL anniversary celebration

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 21 March 2012

For Mercedes-Benz Classic, the year 2012 is all about “60 years of the SL” – even at the Techno Classica trade fair in Essen. Eight of the coveted sports cars from different eras will grace the exhibition hall in Essen from the 21 to 25 March 2012. The exhibit will cover a broad range of vehicles, from the 300 SL (W 194) racing car built in 1952 to the newest member of the SL family: the R 231 SL.

“This year marks the 24th anniversary of the Techno Classica, one of the highlights in the Classic calendar,” says Michael Bock, head of Mercedes-Benz Classic. “We would like to invite all fair visitors to join us in celebrating the anniversary of the SL-Class.”

In the 4,500 square metre exhibition area occupied by Mercedes-Benz Classic in Hall 1 of the Messe Essen, the Mercedes-Benz brand will bring to life the fascination associated with all aspects of its unique history. This time the prized SL models from the Mercedes-Benz Classic collection will take centre stage.

Mercedes-Benz Classic will present its complete line-up at the Essen trade fair. For example, a variety of commercial vehicle model series will be on display. No matter whether a classic or a young classic car, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles have a place in the multifaceted history of the automobile. Not only Mercedes-Benz Classic, but also some of our long-term partners will equally be exhibiting their offerings at the Techno Classica. Authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers Leseberg Automobile (Hamburg), Rosier Classic Center (Oldenburg) and Autohaus Weicker (Kelkheim) will present their specialist expertise in classic vehicles, both in the workshop and in the form of vehicle sales.

A true icon in Mercedes-Benz history will be presented at the Techno Classica: the oldest SL still in existence. The first 300 SL (W 194), the premier vehicle from 1952, no longer exists. It was always under factory ownership and was scrapped in the 1950s. But the second vehicle built, with chassis number 194 010 00002/52, is still around and has been under factory ownership ever since its manufacture. The “/2” stamped on various parts serves as proof of its authenticity. During the extensive restoration by Mercedes-Benz Classic, all parts of the fully dismantled vehicle were inspected. Some parts were restored to as close to the original condition and highest level of quality possible. “One clear requirement was to maintain the original condition and patina of the sports car. Now the 300 SL shines like new – yet still proudly displays traces of its exciting life story,” says Michael Bock.

The vehicle also exemplifies the overall preoccupation of Mercedes-Benz Classic in maintaining authenticity. During restoration of the 300 SL, every effort was made to keep and recondition as many of the original parts as possible. This is often more complex than reproducing them, but it is necessary when it comes to maintaining the historical condition and thus authenticity. And even if reproduction of a part is necessary, then it must always meet the original specifications. The Classic division of the original manufacturer has access to extensive technical documentation and, in such case, can apply the original methods and materials used. Thus the vehicle once again conforms to the original standard.

The appearances by Mercedes-Benz clubs at Techno Classica in 2012 will once again clearly demonstrate the connection with historic vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. The presentations by the clubs will be integrated in the overall exhibition of Mercedes-Benz Classic. This year, all 17 of the German Mercedes-Benz clubs officially recognised by Mercedes-Benz will present themselves and their various activities.

The Techno Classica in Essen is the world’s largest trade fair for classic vehicles. It will be held from 22 to 25 March (preview on 21 March). Founded in 1988, the event has become the leading international trade fair for vintage vehicles and young classics. Alongside passenger cars, the show also features racing cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. This year, over 1200 exhibitors from some 30 countries will be present in Essen; the organisers expect around 180,000 visitors from more than 40 countries.

Mercedes-Benz SL vehicles on exhibit at the 2012 Techno Classica

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL racing car (W 194), 1952

The roots of the SL are in motor sports. With its victories in international competitions, including the Mille Miglia, the 24 hour race of Le Mans, and the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico, the 300 SL (W 194) racing car from 1952 is considered the standard for all sports cars bearing the distinguished SL abbreviation, which stands for “super light”. The oldest SL still in existence will be on exhibition at the Techno Classica. The second vehicle built, bearing the chassis number 194 010 00002/52, has been under factory ownership since its manufacture and underwent extensive restoration by Mercedes-Benz Classic in 2011.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (W 198), 1955

In 1954, with the development of the series production W 198 sports car based on the 300 SL racing car (W 194) of the same name, Mercedes-Benz managed to build the European dream car par excellence of the 1950s. The rare aluminium-bodied “Gullwing” model, which will be on display at the 2012 Techno Classica, plays up the sporty standard of the vehicle: only 29 of the particularly light version of the production sports car developed for motor sports were ever built.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (W 198), 1956

Based on the legendary “Gullwing”, the open 300 SL Roadster (W 198) made its début in 1957. The open two-seater design of the vehicle body became a typical defining feature of the SL family. The preproduction vehicle from 1956 will be on display. This specimen, which at the time was used in races, has been owned for a good while now by rally legend Eugen Böhringer.

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (W 113) “Pagoda”, 1963

In 1963 the 230 SL appeared as the first model of SL series W 113. Its exterior features bold, straight lines as well as the distinctive SL face with the large central Mercedes star. The high windows of the inward dipping hard-top roofline and the narrow pillars that bear the weight of the removable hard-top convey an air of lightness and are reminiscent of temples in the Far East. The car thus quickly earned the nickname “Pagoda”.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Rally (R 107), 1980

To this day, more R 107 vehicles have been produced than any other vehicles in the SL series, in part due to its long production life of 18 years. The car also almost became a rally champion. A 500 SL series car was built for the 1981 season, and the driver contract with Walter Röhrl had already been signed, but then the company withdrew from the rally sport at the end of 1980 before the season even started. The original vehicle will be at the trade fair.

Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (R 129) from Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, 1991

In March 1989 Mercedes-Benz débuted the R 129 model, which features numerous technical innovations and has carried the SL into the new millennium. Thanks to its harmonious and successful design, the SL quickly found many fans in prominent circles. The vehicle on exhibit, a 240 kW (326 hp) 500 SL, was driven by Lady Diana from January 1992. She was the first member of the British royal family to personally drive a foreign automobile.

Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG (R 230) Safety Car, 2009

After 12 years of production and two model refinements, the R 129 was replaced in 2001 by the R 230. The SL now featured a steel folding roof for the first time. Thus it became an open car and coupé all in one. The transformation takes just about 16 seconds at the touch of a button. In 2008 and 2009 the SL 63 AMG, with a powerful 386 kW (525 hp), 6.3 litre V8 engine, became the Official F1™ Safety Car for Formula 1. This SL reminds us of the motorsport roots of the SL family and will be on exhibit at the 2012 Techno Classica. It was extensively modified for circuit use, which included reducing its weight, and it does not have any roof mechanism and no fixed soft top, for example.

The new Mercedes-Benz SL (R 231), 2012

In the spring of 2012 the R 231 finally arrived on the market as the next generation of Mercedes-Benz SL-Class vehicles. The new SL is now made almost completely out of aluminium for the first time ever and weighs up to 140 kilogrammes less than its predecessor. The designers drew on tradition, but also incorporated new perspectives and visionary ideas when designing the latest generation of the SL. The result was classic, balanced proportions typical of the SL: the long bonnet is followed by a recessed, compact cabin. Fine details, a prominent tail-end and an air inlet grille with chrome fins from the Mercedes-Benz design trove emphasise the fact that this car is part of the SL legend.