MERCEDES 450 SL V8 1978.

The Mercedes-Benz a-Class SL is a sports car manufactured by the firm Mercedes-Benz from the year 1954. The designation SL derives from the German "Sport Made" (sports light), and was applied for the first time to the 300SL "Gull Wings" (gullwing in English), named for its system of opening of doors.

The term Class SL designates all the variations of the vehicle, including its numerous engines and 6 generations of bodies.

The "190SL" 4-cylinder (the most-produced, with 25.881 units) hits the market in 1955, and later, in 1957, it appears a version of the "gullwing", the 300SL Roadster". The Class SL was available as a coupe, hard top removable, roadster soft top, hinged, or with both roofs. The code dimensions are W198 I to the 300SL gullwing, W198 II for the "300SL Roadster" and W121 to the "190SL". The production of the 190SL and the 300SL" ended in 1963.

Third generation (1972-1989)

The Class SL R107 was produced from 1971 to 1989, being the second generation most long-lived of the signature, behind the Mercedes-Benz a-Class G.

In 1973, and to respond to the criticisms made to the uncomfortable back seat, it was decided to create a new variant in this sport known as SLC. This new sport combines the body of the convertible, but with a roof, coupe, and more space in its interior, giving the possibility to comfortably hold four people (lengthened by 30 cm more than the convertible for the existence of that possibility). This new sports coupe was manufactured for 9 years with different engines

• 355SL - 1971-1980
• 450SL - 1973-1980
• 280SL - 1974-1985
• 380SL - 1980-1986
• 500SL - 1980-1986

The models between 86 - 89 included major improvements, such as 4 big brake discs and suspension derived from the W124 Sedan. The body was manufactured and painted with a system designed to protect it from corrosion

• 300SL - 1986-1989 This model was available with manual gearbox 5-speed, but there were very few units which finally mounted.
• 420SL - 1986-1989
• 500SL - 1986-1989
• 560SL - 1986-1989 From 86 onwards EE. UU., Japan and Australia received only this model.

Awards

In 2001, the Class SL won the European award for Interior Design.

Holds the title of Car of the Most Technologically Advanced of the Year, award of the magazine Coach and CNBC TV.

Holds the title of Car Best Designed of the Year, award of the magazine Coach and CNBC TV.