Mercedes Bringing Legendary SL Models at Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week is back after a one-year hiatus, and Mercedes-Benz is coming back strong, bringing together some of the most iconic SL sports cars in history.
Legend of the SL
The long and now legendary history of Mercedes-Benz sports cars started with the SL models of the 1950s. And interestingly enough, the brand's interest in developing sports cars is thanks in no small part to the American market. Having seen the racing success of Mercedes-Benz, the brand's US importer Max Hoffman began to manifest a production performance vehicle.
Photos: Auto Evolution
The Creation of the Mercedes Sports Car
He believed in the idea of bringing a sports car from the German luxury manufacturer to the market. So much so that he traveled to Germany to sit down with company executives and convince them to build a road-legal sports car. It wasn't an easy choice, but Mercedes-Benz decision-makers finally decided to give it a shot, resulting in the birth of the 300 SL and 190 SL.
>>Join the conversation about these classic SL models right here in MBWorld.org
Celebrating SL History
It's no surprise then, that Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the history of the SL lineage at America's premier Concours d'Elegance at Pebble Beach. They're bringing examples of the most memorable cars with the SL badge, including the #5 W194 300 SL race car, driven by Rudolf Caracciola at the 1952 Mille Miglia.
>>Join the conversation about these classic SL models right here in MBWorld.org
Iconic Cars On Display
Other SL cars on display by Mercedes-Benz are the subsequent 1953 300 SL racing prototype, the 300 SL Roadster, as well as the '60s legend, the 280 SL Pagoda, and the long-running R107 of the '70s and '80s. There will also be an example of the more modern 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG. This lineup alone is a testament to the heritage of the sports car.
>>Join the conversation about these classic SL models right here in MBWorld.org
Celebration of Motoring
Automotive enthusiasts are excited to return to the glamorous and star-studded event that is Monterey Car Week. And manufacturers, such as Mercedes-Benz are taking part in the celebration, bringing out several rare classics to put on display at the Concours. The event kicks off this week on Aug 12th and continues through the weekend, culminating on the 15th.
>>Join the conversation about these classic SL models right here in MBWorld.org
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