There are cars with lots of history, there are cars with a few generations of ancestors, and then there’s the Mercedes-Benz SL. The drop-top from Stuttgart with “Sport Leicht” on its rump can trace its ancestry back further than most modern automobiles.
Gullwing
Tested: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL500
The proud sensation
Few cars can trace their direct ancestry over six generations and sixty years, encompassing some of the most beautiful and desirable motor cars along the way. One of these vehicles is the big topless Mercedes SL and we were fortunate enough to spend a week with the latest SL500.
Mercedes-Benz Museum
The double-helix treasure chest
Late in the 19th century the nosy neighbours of a fellow called Daimler alerted the Stuttgart authorities to the questionable goings-on in the neighbouring property’s greenhouse. Expecting to bust an unlawful minting operation, the German cops snuck in at night and were surprised to find nothing but seemingly senseless machinery.