Test drive the dynasty Mercedes-Benz SL
An encounter with six exciting incarnations of the SL Mercedes idea.
On February 6, 1954, the dream road car can be seen and touched – at the New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz unveils the 300 SL coupe and the 190 SL prototype.
Who really started the SL movement - the charismatic supercar 300 SL or the more mundane 190 SL? Let's not forget that the development department of Daimler-Benz AG is making a big effort to show at the New York Auto Show not only the body with doors that look like wings, but also the 190 SL.
In September 1953, Daimler-Benz importer Maxi Hoffmann made several visits to the factory headquarters. A businessman with Austrian roots managed to persuade the board of directors to develop a powerful road car based on the racing 300 SL. However, with the planned 1000 units, it will not be possible to earn big money. To get the brand's attention in Americans, sellers need a smaller, open sports car that can be sold in large numbers. On a whim, the elders of the company with the three-pointed star decided to transform the 180 Cabriolet project based on a pontoon sedan. In just a few weeks, the development team creates a prototype of an open two-seat sports car. Indeed, it differs significantly from the production model, which will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show a year later - a joint appearance in New York and similar features in the layout, however, should demonstrate belonging to the 300 SL family.
Building in a race against time
Sources from those days allow us a glimpse into the design department headed by Dr. Fritz Nalinger. Engineers work in pairs and rush with time, and in the post-war years you have to constantly catch up and catch up. The unforeseen creation of the new SL sports car family results in even further shorter lead times. The fact that Daimler-Benz is taking such a step underscores the importance attached to the US automotive market. The earliest body drawings date from September 1953; Only on January 16, 1954, the board of directors approved the production of a coupe with lifting doors, which in just 20 days was supposed to decorate the Mercedes stand in New York.
Amazing car
Judging from the looks of the 300 SL, there is no indication of how short it was created. The lattice tubular frame of the racing car is accepted into serial production; In addition, the Bosch direct injection system for the three-liter six-cylinder unit provides 215 hp. - taller than even a 1952 racing car - and is an almost sensational innovation in the production of passenger models. “One of the most amazing production cars ever made in the world” is the assessment of Heinz-Ulrich Wieselmann, who drove about 3000 kilometers in a silver-gray “winged” Mercedes for his tests in automotive and sports cars.
Wieselman also mentions the road behavior that some owners of supersport cars with a swinging double-link rear axle complain about - when driving vigorously in a corner, the rear end can suddenly buckle. Wieselman knows how to deal with this problem: “The correct way to drive this car is not to get into the corner at too high a speed, but to get out of it as quickly as possible, using a lot of excess power.”
Not only inexperienced drivers struggle with a stable rear axle, but also professionals like Stirling Moss. In one of the "winged" cars, the Briton trains before the Sicilian competition Targa Florio and there he learns how rude an elegant and solid-looking athlete from Stuttgart-Untertürkheim can behave. After the company's refusal to participate in motorsport in 1955, Moss himself bought one of the 29 SLs, fitted with a lighter aluminum body, and used it in 300 for competitions such as the Tour de France. ...
The development engineers apparently listened carefully to the company pilot and his colleagues. The 1957 300 roadster features a one-piece oscillating rear axle with a horizontal balance spring that greatly improves road performance and is felt even today. Unfortunately, the open 300 SL still faces the problem that the W 198 sports car has struggled with since 1954 - its relatively heavy weight. If a fully loaded coupe weighs 1310 kg, then with a full tank the roadster moves the scale arrow to 1420 kg. “This is not a racing car, but a two-person passenger car that excels in power and road handling,” editor Wieselman told Motor-Revue magazine in 1958. To emphasize long-distance travel suitability, the roadster has more trunk space thanks to a reduced tank size.
Once again, American importer Hoffman is behind the decision to produce the 300 SL Roadster. For his elegant showroom on New York's Park Avenue and other branches, he wants an open supercar - and he gets it. Dry numbers speak of its ability to seduce buyers - by the end of 1955, 996 of the 1400 coupes produced were sold, of which 850 were sent to the USA. “Hoffmann is a typical lone salesman,” said Arnold Wiholdi, export manager at Daimler-Benz AG, in an interview with Der Spiegel magazine. did not cope ". In 1957, the Stuttgartians terminated the contract with Hoffmann and began to organize their own network in the United States.
Modern forms
However, Maxi Hoffmann's ideas continue to inspire many people in Stuttgart. Along with the 32 SL roadster, which is offered in Germany for 500 300 brands, the company's range of products remains 190 SL. Its shape skilfully mirrors that of its older brother, the 1,9-liter inline engine, which is Mercedes' first four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine, producing a decent 105bhp. However, for the top speed of 200 km / h envisaged in the original design, several more horses would be required. In terms of smoothness, the 190 SL also didn't get good marks because its designers only have three main bearings on the crankshaft.
Still, the 190 SL, for which Mercedes offers a hardtop as a factory accessory like the big SL, sells well; By the end of production in 1963, exactly 25 cars had been produced, about 881 percent of which were delivered on German roads - about the same as the 20 SL roadster, which was redesigned in 300 to fit discs instead of drums. four wheel brakes.
The development department at that time was working on the next generation, which should appear in 1963, and for it the designers combined the most successful ingredients from the recipe of their predecessors. The self-supporting body with a floor-integrated frame is now powered by a 2,3-liter six-cylinder engine with extended stroke from the large sedan 220 SEb. In order to keep the selling price within acceptable limits, as many high-volume parts as possible are used.
However, at a presentation in Geneva in 1963, the W 113 startled the public with its modern shape, with smooth surfaces and an inwardly curved hatch (which earned the model the nickname "pagoda"), which aroused opposing views and was taken by critics as pure shock. fashion. In reality, however, the new body, designed under the direction of Karl Wilfert, posed a challenge - with almost the same overall length as the 190 SL, it had to provide significantly more space for passengers and luggage, as well as adopt safety ideas. Bella Bareni - such as crumple zones front and rear, as well as a safe steering column.
The safety concepts are most widely used in the 1968 SL, offered since the 280, which inherits both the 230 SL and the 250 SL sold for just one year. With its development, 170 hp. The inline six-cylinder engine, the most powerful of the three W 113 brothers, is the most fun to drive, and this effect is most noticeable when the roof is down. The optional headrest-equipped seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support, and as with previous models, the solid interior design doesn't inspire the expectation of a sports car. Particularly inspiring is the love for individual details, which is evident, for example, in the horn ring integrated into the steering wheel, the top of which is aligned so as not to obscure the controls. The rather large steering wheel is also fitted with a cushioned cushion to cushion impacts, another result of safety guru Bella Bareny's efforts.
Mercedes SL became the best seller in the USA.
The four-speed automatic transmission, delivered for 1445 marks, invites you to enjoy weekend walks rather than sporting discoveries on high-speed trails. The "Pagoda" we ride is prepared for such desires with an additionally offered (for 570 brands) hydraulic booster. On the throttle, the silky softness of the six-cylinder engine, whose crankshaft is supported by seven bearings, is especially enthusiastic, starting with the 250 SL version. However, the driver of this top model for his time has nothing to fear unnecessary outbursts of temperament. For peace of mind, we have to thank the relatively heavy weight of the sports car, which, with an automatic transmission, almost reaches the equivalent of a 300 1957 SL Roadster, without a three-liter race-based unit. On the other hand, the 280 SL with four-speed automatic transmission is the largest fraction of this SL generation, with a total of 23 units making the largest sales of all versions. More than three-quarters of the 885 SLs produced were exported, and 280 percent were sold in the United States.
The great market success of the "pagoda" puts the then successor R 107 under high expectations, which, however, are easily justified. The new model follows the "perfect line" of its predecessor, improving both drive technology and comfort. Along with the open roadster, for the first time in the SL's career, a real coupe is offered, but the wheelbase is almost 40 centimeters longer. The indoor sports car is more like a derivative of a large limousine. So we continue with the open roadster and climb up to the top European 500 SL model, which appeared in 1980 - nine years after the world premiere of the R 107. It is amazing that this lineup represented the SL family in the world. the next nine years, so that her faithful service lasted a full 18 years.
The perfect embodiment of the idea
A first glance at the interior of the 500 SL reveals the fact that the R 107 was still guided by a more safety-oriented mindset. The steering wheel has a large shock-absorbing cushion, the bare metal has given way to soft foam with precious wood appliqués. The A-pillar also gained muscle mass for better passenger protection. On the other hand, even in the 500s, the SL offered to drive in an uncompromisingly open car without a roll-over protection frame. The joy of feeling is especially strong in the powerful 8 SL. The V500 whistles lightly in front of passengers, whose near-silent operation skilfully conceals its real power at first. Rather, a small rear spoiler hints at what kind of dynamics the XNUMX SL can ignite.
An impressive 223 horsepower team constantly pulls the 500 SL forward, with a strong torque of over 400 Nm promising enough power to handle any life situation, delivered without jerks by a four-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to a good chassis and excellent ABS brakes, driving becomes easy. The R 107 looks like the perfect embodiment of the SL idea - a powerful and reliable two-seater with a solid charm, thought out to the smallest detail. Maybe that is why it has been produced for so long, although it is being adapted more and more to the requirements of the time. However, with such an influential figure, how did the people of Mercedes manage to develop a worthy successor to the famous model family?
The designers from Stuttgart-Untertürkheim solve this problem by creating a completely new project. When the R 107 that we drove was released, the engineers were already immersed in the development of the R 129, presented in 1989 in Geneva. “The new SL is more than just a new model. It is both a carrier of new technologies, and a sports car with universal application, and, by the way, a delightful car,” writes Gert Hack in an article about the first auto motor und sport test with the fourth generation SL.
Innovation
In addition to numerous innovations that include the guru's patented lifting and lowering technique and the automatic rollover protection frame in the event of a rollover, this model also inspires the public with its Bruno Sako shape. The SL 2000 was released in '500 and has over 300 horsepower. the engine with three valves per cylinder, in the Formula 1 Edition and today looks like a modern elite sports car. However, unlike the legendary ancestor of the family, he lacks only one gene - the racing car gene. Instead, the Mercedes sports model of the nineties is easily heading in the same direction that all previous generations of the SL have gone - towards classic car status. For the 60th anniversary of the family, a new snapshot has appeared in the family tree of the four-wheel dream SL. And again the question is: how do the Mercedes people manage to do this?
TECHNICAL DATA
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupе (Roadster)
ENGINE Water-cooled, six-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine (M 198), tilted below 45 degrees to the left, gray cast iron cylinder block, light alloy cylinder head, crankshaft with seven main bearings, two combustion chamber valves, one overhead camshaft, driven by the timing chain. Diam. 85 x 88 mm cylinder x stroke, 2996 cc displacement, 3: 8,55 compression ratio, 1 hp max. at 215 rpm, max. torque 5800 kgm at 28 rpm, direct injection of the mixture, ignition coil. Features: dry sump lubrication system (4600 liters of oil).
POWER TRANSMISSION Rear-wheel drive, synchronized four-speed transmission, single plate dry clutch, final drive 3,64. Offers alternative numbers for ch. transmission: 3,25; 3,42; 3,89; 4,11
BODY AND LIFT Steel lattice tubular frame with light metal body bolted to it (29 units with aluminum body). Front suspension: independent with cross members, coil springs, stabilizer. Rear suspension: swing axle and coil springs (single swing axle of a roadster). Telescopic shock absorbers, drum brakes (Roadster from 3/1961 disc), rack and pinion steering. Wheels front and rear 5K x 15, Dunlop Racing tires, front and rear 6,70-15.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Wheelbase 2400 mm, track front / rear 1385/1435 mm, length x width x height 4465 x 1790 x 1300 mm, net weight 1310 kg (roadster - 1420 kg).
DYNAMIC INDICATORS AND FLOW RATE Acceleration 0–100 km / h in about 9 seconds, max. speed up to 228 km / h, fuel consumption 16,7 l / 100 km (AMS 1955).
PERIOD OF PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION From 1954 to 1957, 1400 copies. (Roadster from 1957 to 1963, 1858 copies).
Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (W 121)
ENGINE Water-cooled four-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine (M 121 V II model), gray cast iron cylinder block, light alloy head, crankshaft with three main bearings, two combustion chamber valves driven by one overhead camshaft driven through timing chain. Diam. cylinder x stroke 85 x 83,6 mm. Engine displacement 1897 cm3, compression ratio 8,5: 1, maximum power 105 hp. at 5700 rpm, max. torque 14,5 kgm at 3200 rpm. Mixing: 2 adjustable choke and vertical flow carburetors, ignition coil. Features: Forced circulation lubrication system (4 liters of oil).
POWER TRANSMISSION. Rear-wheel drive, mid-floor synchronized four-speed gearbox, single-plate dry clutch. Gear ratios I. 3,52, II. 2,32, III. 1,52 IV. 1,0, main gear 3,9.
BODY AND LIFT Self-supporting all-steel body. Front suspension: independent double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer. Rear suspension: single swing axle, reaction rods and coil springs. Telescopic shock absorbers, drum brakes, ball screw steering. Wheels front and rear 5K x 13, Tires front and rear 6,40-13 Sport.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Wheelbase 2400 mm, track front / rear 1430/1475 mm, length x width x height 4290 x 1740 x 1320 mm, net weight 1170 kg (with a full tank).
DYNAM. INDICATORS AND FLOWS Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 14,3 seconds, max. speed up to 170 km / h, fuel consumption 14,2 l / 100 km (AMS 1960).
PERIOD OF PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION From 1955 to 1963, 25 881 copies.
Mercedes-Benz 280 SL (W 113)
ENGINE Water-cooled, six-cylinder, four-stroke in-line engine (M 130 model), gray cast iron cylinder block, light alloy cylinder head, seven main bearing crankshaft, two combustion chamber valves driven by a chain-driven overhead camshaft. Diam. cylinder x stroke 86,5 x 78,8 mm, displacement 2778 cm3, compression ratio 9,5: 1. Maximum power 170 hp. at 5750 rpm, Max. torque 24,5 kgm at 4500 rpm. Mixture formation: injection into the intake manifolds, ignition coil. Features: Forced circulation lubrication system (5,5 l of oil).
POWER TRANSMISSION Rear-wheel drive, four-speed planetary automatic transmission, hydraulic clutch. Gear ratio I. 3,98, II. 2,52, III. 1,58, IV. 1,00, final drive 3,92 or 3,69.
BODY AND LIFT Self-supporting all-steel body. Front suspension: independent double wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer. Rear Suspension: Single swing axle, reaction rods, coil springs, balancing coil spring. Telescopic shock absorbers, disc brakes, ball screw steering system. Wheels front and rear 5J x 14HB, tires 185 HR 14 Sport.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Wheelbase 2400 mm, track front / rear 1485/1485 mm, length x width x height 4285 x 1760 x 1305 mm, net weight 1400 kg.
DYNAMIC INDICATORS AND FLOW RATE Acceleration 0–100 km / h in 11 seconds, max. speed 195 km / h (automatic transmission), fuel consumption 17,5 l / 100 km (AMS 1960).
PERIOD OF PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION From 1963 to 1971, a total of 48 copies, of which 912 copies. 23 SL.
Mercedes-Benz 500 SL (R 107 E 50) buy cheap online
ENGINE Water-cooled eight-cylinder four-stroke V8 engine (model M 117 E 50), light alloy cylinder blocks and heads, crankshaft with five main bearings, two combustion chamber valves driven by a single overhead camshaft driven by a timing chain for each row of cylinders. Diam. cylinder x stroke 96,5 x 85 mm, displacement 4973 cm3, compression ratio 9,0: 1. Maximum power 245 hp. at 4700 rpm, max. torque 36,5 kgm at 3500 rpm. Formation of a mixture: mechanical petrol injection system, electronic ignition. Special features: forced circulation lubrication system (8 liters of oil), Bosch KE-Jetronic injection system, catalyst.
POWER TRANSMISSION Rear-wheel drive, four-speed automatic transmission with planetary gear and torque converter, main transmission 2,24.
BODY AND LIFT Self-supporting all-steel body. Front suspension: independent double wishbone, coil springs, additional rubber springs. Rear suspension: diagonal swinging axle, tilting struts, coil springs, additional rubber springs. Telescopic shock absorbers, disc brakes with ABS. Steering ball screws and power steering. Wheels front and rear 7J x 15, tires front and rear 205/65 VR 15.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Wheelbase 2460 mm, track front / rear 1461/1465 mm, length x width x height 4390 x 1790 x 1305 mm, net weight 1610 kg.
DYNAM. INDICATORS AND FLOWS Acceleration 0–100 km / h in 8 sec, max. speed 225 km / h (automatic transmission), fuel consumption 19,3 l / 100 km (ams).
PRODUCTION AND MIRROR TIME From 1971 to 1989, a total of 237 copies, of which 287 SL.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R 129.068)
ENGINE Water-cooled eight-cylinder V8 four-stroke engine (model M 113 E 50, model 113.961), light alloy cylinder blocks and heads, crankshaft with five main bearings, three combustion chamber valves (two intake, one exhaust), actuated by one overhead camshaft driven by timing chain for each cylinder bank.
Diam. cylinder x stroke 97,0 x 84 mm, displacement 4966 cm3, compression ratio 10,0: 1.maximum power 306 hp. at 5600 rpm, max. torque 460 Nm at 2700 rpm. Mixing: Intake manifold injection (Bosch ME), phase-shifted dual ignition. Features: Forced circulation lubrication system (8 liters of oil), electronic ignition control.
POWER TRANSMISSION Rear-wheel drive, electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission (planetary gear) and friction drive torque converter. Main gear 2,65.
BODY AND LIFT Self-supporting all-steel body. Front suspension: independent on double wishbones, shock absorbers and coil springs. Rear suspension: diagonal swinging axle, tilting struts, coil springs, additional rubber springs. Gas shock absorbers, disc brakes. Steering ball screws and power steering. Front and rear wheels 8 ¼ J x 17, front and rear tires 245/45 R 17 W.
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT Wheelbase 2515 mm, track front / rear 1532/1521 mm, length x width x height 4465 x 1612 x 1303 mm, net weight 1894 kg.
DYNAM. INDICATORS AND FLOWS Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 6,5 seconds, max. speed 250 km / h (limited), fuel consumption 14,8 l / 100 km (ams 1989).
PERIOD OF PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION From 1969 to 2001, a total of 204 copies, of which 920 copies. 103 SL (sample 534 – 500 sp.).
Text: Dirk Johe
Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert
