The first Mercedes-Benz SL
I ever drove was a 1981 380SL, with the woefully underperforming 3.8-liter, 155 horsepower V8. Even then I knew enough about the model to know that "SL" stood for "Sport Light," so I remember being highly disappointed. "This thing feels neither sporty nor light" I grumbled out loud as I drove the car to fill it with gas (this was my first post-driver's-license job, as a lot boy at a used Mercedes-Benz dealership in Denver). But in 1986 this generation SL remained, despite its questionable performance, an 'it" car by most folks' standards, so cruising around in the slow, lumbering "sports car" was still a great way for a 16-year-old to get attention.
Thankfully, this dealership had plenty of older M-B models, including several "pagoda" era SLs (1963-1971). It didn't take long to figure out that, if you really wanted to experience the "SL" aspect of Mercedes' SL model line, you had to go for one of the older SLs, preferably one of the 280 models with a manual transmission (this remains the last SL to offer a manual transmission in this country).
Needless to say, I consider 1972 the year the Mercedes-Benz SL jumped the shark. They tried to jump back with the 1986 and later 560SL of that generation (R107), but at this point the car just stopped being painfully slow, it still wasn't fast (and there was still no manual transmission available). The following SL generation (R129) benefitted from more power, but it also got even bigger and heavier. Still an "SL" in name only.
However, a funny (and welcome) thing happened in 2003 (actually spring of 2002), the Mercedes-Benz SL jumped back over the shark tank and re-established itself as a viable combination of luxury and performance. The first time I drove one of the current generation (R230) cars I experienced exactly what I expected back in 1986 behind the wheel of that 380SL pig: power, poise, responsiveness and a bevy of modern luxury items. My mom had always expressd an affinity for Mercedes-Benz SLs; now I finally could, too.
My favorite of the model line remains the mid-1950s "Gullwing" and roadster versions, but all of them before 1972 -- and after 2002 -- are excellent forms of two-seat, open-top motoring.
By dougtheeng
on August 22, 2008
06:13 AM
This car has always given me a sort of 'boulevard cruiser' vibe, rather then a sports car. That being said, I've never driven one. The current iteration of it would certainly be eye catching, if it wasn't so common.
By ahightower
on August 22, 2008
07:03 AM
I still don't think it's particularly "S" or "L". Fast, yes, but it's definitely not my style. And considering how dang expensive it is, there sure are a lot of them everywhere. I could definitely find something a little more unique and interesting and fun for $100K.
By karjunkie
on August 22, 2008
07:48 AM
Agree with dougtheeng, this is meant for cruising and not performance. I ahve not seen one in Miami with a young guy at the wheel. Seems to be the exclusive venue of 60 yr old guys who want a sports car look but luxury appointments.
By arm51
on August 22, 2008
07:58 AM
I agree Karl, I always admired the 300SL and thought it was great. However, when I saw it in person at the Mercedes Benz museum, it instantly went to the top of my list of all-time favorite Mercedes Benz vehicles. It also ranks pretty high on my list of all-time favorite cars, beaten out by the mid-80s 911. The new SL is nice, but it just isn't as amazing as the one from the 50s, in my opinion.
By edubya
on August 22, 2008
07:58 AM
I agree with everything that's been said so far, except that I've seen more wealthy looking older women driving these things than anyone. If Cadillac made a convertible, GM might be able to steal some of these customers back.
That being said, MB's latest styling signals a clear attempt to toughen its image a bit.
By ddastardly
on August 22, 2008
08:43 AM
Cadillac do have a convertable, the XLR. Totally agree with the post, the SL in it's current form, post facelift actually looks good, the previous one looked a bit bland. Still not enough to tempt me away from 911's though.
By iskch
on August 22, 2008
08:50 AM
Karl, good point but you forgot the reason for R107 weight increase, lack of performance and size was the fuel crunch and safety regulations. Mercedes knew that but there was nothing they can do but follow the regulations.
Here in the states we got the "horsepower choke" models. That is why we had several gray market cars that came from Europe. My brother in law had one. Very fast and stable at high speed.
Agree, the best of all was the 1950's gullwing. F.Y.I: M-B built the last gullwing in 1994 for a collector from a leftover kit(there is a history behind it). Also, the most powerful gullwing was built for a M-B engineer of the time and he installed the SLR 8cyl - inline engine (silver arrow racing engine). The car was capable to reach 170 MPH (1950's). The car is at the M-B Museum.
By 1487
on August 22, 2008
09:07 AM
is there any car other than the 3 series that hasnt jumped the shark? doesnt seem like it and if thats the case I guess we will be seeing a lot more entries like this.
By dougtheeng
on August 22, 2008
09:16 AM
"is there any car other than the 3 series that hasnt jumped the shark?"
Looks wise, the 3-series definitely has jumped the shark.
Thats a good idea though, a list of cars that haven't jumped the shark.
My vote is for MINI Cooper, haha, but I don't know if having just 2 generations (BMW MINI) is long enough for shark jumping to take place.
By syke
on August 22, 2008
09:31 AM
To me, this car always seemed to appeal to one of three clienteles:
1. Old guys who've made their money.
2. Older, still stylish rich women, most likely #1's ex-wife.
3. Young trophy wives, or, more likely #1's mistress.
Never could take them seriously as a driver's car.
By brett8210
on August 22, 2008
11:23 AM
Actually Karl I think MB offered the 300 SL in 1990 with a manuel transmission in this country.
By tiruvan
on August 22, 2008
11:32 AM
Value-wise I'd take the SLK over SL anyday. After all this ain't no sports car it is a show-off car and the SLK is not only good at show-off but something about it says "I am the younger, better one" ;-) ... take note all you mistresses and ex-wives .. ha ha .. just kiddin!
By Karl Brauer
on August 22, 2008
12:16 PM
^^ Funny syke (and I generally agree with you)
By edubya
on August 22, 2008
12:57 PM
"Cadillac do have a convertable, the XLR."
Oops, I knew that. Substitute Buick for Cadillac, and you'll get the spirit of my post, sort of. Or how about this? The "SL" moniker makes sense if Sport Leicht is German for sporty boat.
By hondacura4
on August 22, 2008
03:59 PM
Ive always considered the SL (of any vintage) as a really nice heavy, sporty GT not a pure bred sports car.
By 7driver
on August 22, 2008
04:23 PM
hondacura4,
"Ive always considered the SL (of any vintage) as a really nice heavy, sporty GT not a pure bred sports car."
1950's era 300SL "Gullwing":
Tubular chassis, aluminum skin, direct injection, independent suspension at all 4 corners, win/place/show at 24hrs of Le Mans, Nurburgring, Carerra Panamerica and Mille Miglia... How is that not a pure bred sports car?
By carlwd40
on August 22, 2008
06:06 PM
"this remains the last SL to offer a manual transmission in this country"
A 5-speed manual transmission was offered in the R129-series 300SL from '89-'93. Nobody wanted them in this country, but then, that wasn't Mercedes' fault, was it?
By billymay
on August 23, 2008
03:42 PM
All fair comments above, but I would cut the car some slack in that it really isn't intended as a sports car. I drove an '86 560SL and found it enjoyable, comfortable and stylish -- and very well made. It didn't leave me wanting to find the nearest track, but that's not what it's about.
I'd say the recent SLs are a very nice ride as a daily driver for the affluent. I admit I don't understand all the AMG models or their pricing, but among the pseudo-sporty luxury segment (Jag XK, BMW 6, Lexus SC430, etc.) the SL is an attractive choice.
I'll disagree slightly with Editor Karl in that I never found the Pagoda cars all that attractive and actually prefer the panzer-like R107s. (Of course the original Gullwing and 300SL are on another plane -- true classics for the ages.) Those last R107s were kind of the end of the simple, bulletproof and classy Mercedes roadster. The news ones are stupidly complicated with gadgets we don't need.
By Bob Holland
on August 24, 2008
07:51 AM
I think every SL since the original 1950s-era 300SL has "jumped the shark."
It's been downhill for the SL line ever since the original gull-wing (and roadster) disappeared IMO.
Not one of the replacements has captured the excitement of the original. Oh, I'm sure they're all better cars, but not one has been able to capture the "essence" of the original 300SL, and what made it so great.
I feel the same about Jaguar sports cars. Not one Jag sports car, that has evolved from the original 1961 XKE, can hold a candle to the original.
By hondacura4
on August 24, 2008
03:41 PM
"1950's era 300SL "Gullwing":
Tubular chassis, aluminum skin, direct injection, independent suspension at all 4 corners, win/place/show at 24hrs of Le Mans, Nurburgring, Carerra Panamerica and Mille Miglia... How is that not a pure bred sports car?"
7driver, I stand corrected.
By huyracing
on August 25, 2008
06:51 PM
of course they changed the formula... they wanted to sell cars and they knew that race cars don't do that.
the closest thing MB has that resembles the gullwing would be the McLaren SLR... and that didn't sell well at all.