Latest news with #Mercedes-BenzSL
Newsweek
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Mercedes-Maybach's First Modern Two-Seater Exudes Elegance From Top Down
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Convertibles are synonymous with sunny days spent cruising along coastlines. The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is the epitome of that. Born of the Mercedes-Benz SL, the Maybach version replaces the sports car-like prowess of the coupé with stability and suppleness that is no less engaging. It is the first two-seater in modern Maybach history, but the model has its roots in Mercedes cars from the early 1900s that were finished with coachbuilding techniques. Other current Maybachs include variants of the EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, S-Class Sedan and GLS. Mercedes-Benz Starting the SL 680 ignites a growl from the tailpipe that is easily forgotten once choosing the Maybach drive program and setting out on Ibiza's twisty roads. Quick turns are executed without hesitation, the reignition of the engine from a silent idle is smooth and the seats combine with suspension enhancements to keep passengers stable. It's a cruiser, not a competitor. Its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter engine delivers an ample 585 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque, and is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that executes smooth shifts up and down. The extravagant SL rides on 21-inch forged wheels. Upon startup, the driver's eyes are treated to a visual symphony of Maybach logos across the car's various screens. The quick touch of a physical button on the central display tilts the screen upright for better visibility during top-down driving. Mercedes-Benz It takes 15 seconds for the top to go up or down, and it can be done at up to 30 mph. Like the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé, the Maybach's cabin is quiet enough while the journey is underway to conduct a conversation without ever raising your voice. The new Maybach turns heads thanks to its unique grille that delivers an aggressive elegance. It is surrounded by Maybach logo fascias. Brand-specific front and rear elements are completed by double scoop behind the seats that makes the look sporty yet sophisticated. Mercedes-Benz Monogram Series models are only available with a White Ambience or Red Ambience exterior paint color, and the Manufaktur brand's white leather interior. Opting for the technically finished monogrammed hood (only available in black) adds another striking element. The hood's finish is created by layering a base coat of paint that is then sanded down with a Maybach pattern that is printed onto it, adding two coats of clear lacquer to complete the process. Pricing is expected to start around $250,000. It is on sale now.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
SLShop: Keeping The Mercedes-Benz SL Dream Alive
Mercedes-Benz SL Mercedes-Benz has competed in motorsports since the early 1900s before the legendary Silver Arrows dominated the Grand Prix scene from 1923 to 1939. But when WWII hit, the company ceased racing. After the war, the brand looked to return to motorsport, and Mercedes-Benz team manager Alfred Neubauer spotted three Jaguar XK120s while attending a Le Mans race. The Jaguar's design resonated with Neubauer, and it was clear that if Mercedes were to re-enter Le Mans, this was the car to beat. Shortly after, the Mercedes-Benz '300 Super Light', later shortened to SL, was commissioned and testing began at the Nürburgring, Germany. Rudy Uhlenhaut, head of Mercedes passenger cars in the 1950s, constructed a lightweight (50kg) tubular shell from magnesium and aluminum. A 3.0-liter straight-six engine from an Adenauer Mercedes was soon dropped in and power was upped to 170bhp. Mercedes-Benz SL It scored a double victory at the 24hrs Le Mans, came second and fourth in the Mille Miglia, and bagged quadruple wins at the Nürburgring Anniversary Sports Car GP. A suggestion by Mercedes' USA importer Max Hoffman for a road-going guise was soon approved and the 300 SL Gullwing (W198) arrived in 1954. It needs no introduction and is arguably one of the prettiest cars ever made. Classic Mercedes-Benz SLs are rare on British and American roads now, but one company helps keep the SL dream alive: SLShop. Sam Bailey, SLShop founder, has been around cars from a young age: 'My father was a mechanic; he did his apprenticeship with Mercedes Cruikshank in Bristol and worked on Pagoda 108s and 111s. They've always been a part of my life.' In 2006, SLShop was born alongside Bailey's father and one other. It started with buying and selling, which involved prepping the cars for customers. This soon led to workshop expansion to maintain and service other people's cars before full restorations. The SLShop workshop SLShop is now claimed to be the world's largest Mercedes-Benz SL specialist with over 81 completed ground-up restorations and circa 3,000 classic SLs sold. 'We've become a one-stop shop. Likewise, we can find and fit rare parts and diagnose issues.' Bailey adds. Beyond restoration and sales, SLShop also offers storage, transportation and detailing. The 50,000 sq ft premises in Warwickshire, U.K., house 140 cars on average with over 40 team members keeping classic Mercedes-Benz SLs alive. SLShop plans to expand its engineering department by relocating its detailing and trim shop to a nearby building and will include a rust protection section. The Mercedes-Benz SL specialist relied on third parties for engine, gearbox, fuel pump, and differential rebuilds, but recently increased skill sets allow these to be done in-house. Mercedes-Benz SL 'This means we can control quality, and ensure components meet manufacturer standards. For example, we are now the last company in the U.K. that can rebuild a 1960s Bosch fuel pump. There are many garage queens out there, but life is short—put miles on it. It's easy to get caught up in nostalgia because of value, missing the car's point. These machines are memory makers." As emission laws increase, many car lovers keep an antidote classic stored in a garage while owning an EV or PHEV. 'On our full rebuilds, we often get clients requesting further customization. It's often people that want their petrol fix; those who perhaps daily drive an efficient family car.' Mercedes-Benz SL While SLShop offers different color combinations via sustainable materials, it can also shoehorn larger more powerful modern Mercedes engines into classic SLs, meaning little is off limits. 'We did have a request to widen the track of an SL, but this involved cutting the car down the middle and adding 6 inches. They didn't want to flare the arches and change the line of the car. But that proved a step too far.' SLShop's reborn program revives tired W121, W113, and R107 Mercedes-Benz SLs to former glory. Each car includes a history file, a certificate of authenticity and collectability, a 24-month warranty and concierge servicing. They also have a wide variety of stunning Mercedes-Benz SLs for sale.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This 1992 Mercedes-Benz 500SL on Bring a Trailer Looks Primo
The R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL is an often overlooked classic. Early cars like this one offer the purest design and a comprehensive features list. The 500SL is the best of the breed, and this example boasts low miles and welcome maintenance. At the tail end of the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz had been somewhat neglecting its flagship convertible, focusing instead on developing small cars to keep the books balanced. That all changed for the 1990 model year, when the all-new R129-generation SL arrived with near-timeless styling, available authoritative V-8 power, and an incredible array of features. Thirty-five years later, these cars are somewhat overlooked in the collector-car market, and they offer huge bang for your buck considering they wore six-figure price tags when new. But you must choose carefully. This 1992 SL500 for sale on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos) looks to be a primo example. It wears a stunning color combo and has just 33K miles on its odometer. Originally used at the holiday home of its original owner, it has spent most of its life in dry desert country and has been fully sorted before auction by the current seller, a Mercedes-Benz the course of its life span, the SL softened up and got a little less equipment as Mercedes's bean counters kept a close eye on the financials. Not so with an early car like this. This car has every possible convenience you could expect in 1992 and some that don't even exist now, such as a power-adjustable inside rearview mirror that's tied to the memory seating an SL from this era, you really want the V-8; the six-cylinder is smooth but not especially quick, and the V-12 has the potential to put your local specialist mechanic's kids through college. This car has the M119 5.0-liter V-8, with variable valve timing and double overhead cams. It's good for 322 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which it puts to the ground through a four-speed automatic with this low mileage and dry climate storage, a car can feel a bit loose-limbed after three decades. Happily, this example has had almost all of its perishables replaced, from engine mounts to front-end bushings. The transmission has also been serviced to make it a little snappier. Mercedes softened up the SL over the years, but these early cars are firmer to drive, with heavier steering and an unflappable suspension. People often talk about the peak Mercedes driving experiences as having a whiff of bank-vault build quality about them, which is what you get here. Cosmetically, the car's midnight blue over dark tan is a bit unusual to see, and it presents in wonderful condition. The car has a new power soft top with rebuilt hydraulics (a known weak point) and a removable hard top. The car sits on its original 16-inch alloy wheels. This 500SL retailed for a hair under $100,000 when new which, adjusting for inflation, is not too far off a quarter-million dollars today. Given the low mileage and thorough reconditioning, this no-reserve auction presents an opportunity to get a great deal on one today. The R129 won't be overlooked forever, and this is about as good as the breed ever got. The auction ends on April 4. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
