In In Mercedes-Benz parlance, the SL moniker is one that’s steeped in iconography. It stands for ‘Sport und Leicht’, or sporting and lightweight, and can be traced back to the 190SL of the 1950s, as well as the legendary ‘Gullwing’ 300SL. But by the 1970s, the car was neither light nor especially sporty. Indeed, it’s one of the heaviest sports cars of its era and it hardly corners like a go-kart. So why is it so agonisingly cool?
The reasons are threefold. First, in 350SL, 450SL and 500SL format, it came with a beautifully flexible V8. It’s a lovely engine with astonishing tractability and reliability that is regarded as one of the all-time greats.
Second, it was magnificently made, with comfort, solidity, sturdiness and mechanical longevity right at its core.…
