Skip advert
Advertisement
Car group tests

60 years of the Mercedes SL

We line up the new Mercedes SL with its forebears in an exclusive showdown

60 years of the Mercedes SL

Few manufacturers can trace their sports car roots back to the fifties, and even fewer will hand you the keys to a pristine heritage fleet of such models. Luckily, Mercedes is in the mood for celebrating.

Sixty years ago it realised racing could draw positive attention to the company after WWII. So in 1952, the 300 SL racer was built from parts lying on the factory floor, and it was an instant winner.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two years later, the 300 SL spawned two road cars – the 300 SL Gullwing and 190 SL roadster – and the SL family was born.

Technology has come a long way in 60 years, but the SL offers the same recipe of style, luxury, comfort and performance as it always has. Click the links to the left to see what we made of its classic predecessors from behind the wheel.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,462 off RRP*Used from £12,097
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £10,195
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,053 off RRP*Used from £15,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less
Used executive cars - opinion

Stop settling for boring SUVs and get a used executive express for less

Content editor George Armitage thinks buying a used executive car is better value than buying a brand-new SUV for family car duties
Opinion
25 Aug 2025
The future of Skoda: CEO talks new cars and how it beat BMW
The future of Skoda

The future of Skoda: CEO talks new cars and how it beat BMW

We’re not at peak Skoda yet – a flagship electric SUV and a small hatch will soon boost the line-up explains CEO Klaus Zellmer, in a long chat with Au…
News
23 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month
Cupra Leon cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Sporty Cupra Leon will set pulses racing at only £211 per month

Our Deal of the Day for 24 August is a very affordable offer on Cupra’s fun-to-drive hatchback
News
24 Aug 2025