SL Timeline
 

THE SL (Sport Leicht) Roadster
The first roadgoing SL was prompted by demand in the U.S. where a Mercedes' importer was sure he could sell a version of the world-beating 300SL racing car. He was right and there's been an SL in the Mercedes line-up ever since. All have been front-engined and are rear-wheel drive but these have been in-line fours and six cylinder engines. V8s and even a V12. Then, with the SLK, Mercedes returned to supercharging.

1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
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1955 - 190SL

It is based on the 'Gullwing' but without the infamous doors. Re-designed chassis and improved suspension make the ride smoother. The Roadster is slower than the 'Gullwing' with a top speed of 130 mph.

1963 - 230SL

The shape is unchanged but the 250SL has a new 2,496-cc engine - power output stays at 170 bhp, but with more torque for slightly better acceleration. A ZF five-speed transmission is an option and disc brakes are added at the rear.

For those who couldn't afford the fiendishly expensive 'Gullwing', Mercedes produces the 190SL with unitary construction and a low-powered 120-bhp four-cylinder engine in place of teh six. It is far slower than the 'Gullwing'.

1957 - 300SL

It's an all-new monoque design with 2.3-liter straight-six engine with an overhead-cam iron block and alloy cylinder head. The distinctive removable hardtop gives it's 'Pagoda-roof' nickname. With 170 bhp the 230SL's top speed is 124 mph.

1966 - 250SL

1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
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1967 - 280SL

Still called SL for Sport Leicht the new car is heavier, longer and slightly wider, but it has the SL's first V8 engine to pull it along. Producing 230 bhp and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, this is enough for 130 mph and 0-60 mph in 9.0 seconds.

1971 - 450SL

The bigger 4.5-liter V8 is put into the 350SL sold on the European market, where it produces more power. Without the tight U.S. emissions controls it can breathe more easily and produces a more respectable 225 bhp.

1974 - 280SL

The 280SL still looks the same but its larger engine takes power output to 180 bhp. Performance is not greatly improved and the softer suspension means that it is not as entertaining to drive as the original 230SL.

1971 - 350SL

To make up for power-sapping U.S. emissions regulations, the 350SL is given a larger, 4,520-cc version of the V8 for the American market. It produces no more power but is tuned for more torque. Only a three-speed automatic is available.

1973 - 450SL

In response to the energy crisis Mercedes brings out a new small, and more efficient, engine for the SL. It is a 185-bhp, 2.8 liter, in-line, twin-cam, six cylinder, that can be ordered with a 5-speed manual transmission.
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
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1985 - 300SL

On the European market the 380SL is replaced by the 420SL, which looks just the same but has an improved and bored-out version of the 3.8 engine, giving 218 bhp. 1986 sees all SLs revamped with larger wheels and tires, better brakes and a better suspension.

1989 - 300SL

One of the prettiest SLs of all time and also one of the cheapest. It features a hydraulically-powered metal folding roof which tucks itself away in the trunk. When erected it is impossible to tell the difference between it and a coupe.

The 280SL turns into the 300SL, evoking memories of the very first SL. It too has a straight-six overhead-cam engine producing 180 bhp, which is actually less than the original SL. The car is heavy too, so it is more of a GT than a sports car.

1985 - 420SL

A new generation of SLs seems to be a quantum leap ahead of the car it replaces and one of the world's most spohisticated sports cars - sleek, attractive and fast. The 'base' model has a 3-liter straight-six overhead-cam engine as before, but now with 190 bhp.

1996 - SLK230

1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
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We welcome the 5th generation all-new SL, a car that Mercedes-Benz claims to be the most technically advanced roadster ever.

2003 - SL500

Source of information, as of 1998, provided by International Masters Publishers for Hot Cars Publication.
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