Mercedes Benz 190 SL History

The legendary Mercedes-Benz Roadster age 50.

- The SL and SLK are birthday
- The engineer of Mercedes, Frank Knothe: 38 years together with SL

The most famous car manufacturers in the world is celebrating. Thus, Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of two of its most famous models: the SL and SLK. Since 1954, have been sold worldwide over 870,000 vehicles. And of course, if they have been labeled the most wanted models on the planet.

In February 1954, the International Auto Show in New York saw the birth of a phenomenon. It was there that Mercedes-Benz presented to the press and the public, two versions of the SL models, which later would become legends: the 300 SL Gullwing Coupé and the 190 SL Open-Top.

The 300 SL, with its striking gull-wing doors and operation of a racing car, was a visual shock to visitors of the exhibition.

It was the racing version “Uhlenhaut-Coupé” that caught the attention of Max Hoffman, an importer of American cars. Hoffman contacted the directors of Mercedes in Stuttgart, requesting that they develop a civilian version of the race car. At that moment began the inexorable growth of the 300 SL.

The striking gull-wing doors of this model was just one of many features that led him to fame. Other less conventional aspects of engineering, were the intricate tubular chassis but extremely robust, high performance engine with direct fuel injection, producing 215 hp, something very unusual at that time. The same technology was also available in the convertible version of the 300 SL.

1963: The new Mercedes Roadster with Pagoda Roof.

The SL 300 SL and 190 continued in production until a successor appeared in 1963. This new model created an absolute revolution. Its most striking feature, together with new crisp lines, was its removable hardtop. This unique feature, immediately suggesting a Japanese pagoda, and therefore “pagoda” became his nickname. Curiously were security considerations which inspired its development.

Mercedes engineer, Béla Barényi, a pioneer in safety, had patented this unusual shape of the roof a few years earlier (1956), as an extreme design security offered to passengers. Equally important was the free space model “Pagoda” provided when the roof was put in place.

In 1971, the model “Pagoda” was followed by a new SL sports that was destined to continue in production for 18 years (until 1989) much longer than any other Mercedes.

From every angle, the third generation of this luxury car provided all the attributes of a sports car of your dreams. These features include elegance, quality and safety, since she was far above the standards of those years.

The SL also was first available in an eight-cylinder version. With 200 hp at 5800 rpm, the new engine gave this roadster a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in just 10 seconds.

1989: New Standards in Design and Security.

2004: The Future.

The current SL class, which includes three models, with engines of six, eight and twelve cylinders, raised the barrier of poise, even for the upcoming models. Also there is the AMG version with an overloaded engine that develops 368 kW/500 hp.

The SL has set safety standards for sports cars. Their systems cover every aspect, almost to anticipate accidents. These include the selective braking system Sensotronic (SBC), the active control of the suspension (ABC), the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), the Brake Assist (BAS), and of course the well-known bi-xenon headlights and anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Also new in this class is the convertible roof, which allows the SL offers a unique travel experience, combining the fun of a convertible roadster with all the comfort of a Mercedes coupe.

The SLK takes on cult car class.

With the legendary 190 SL, Mercedes-Benz has been demonstrated for 50 years, a small roadster can offer all the pleasure, or even more, than one larger drive. Mercedes returned to this idea when he revealed the SLK-Class, which has been setting new standards for types of vehicles since 1996.

Great design, advanced engineering and exemplary safety are just some of the characteristics that have made the Mercedes SLK, throughout its history, a cult car and in great demand

Having sold over 308,000 units to enthusiastic customers worldwide, gaining more than 40 international awards, and taking the position of world leader in its market segment, the first generation of the SLK can look back on a proud and successful record.

Eight years after launching the first SLK, and 50 years after the premiere of the SL roadster, the second generation SLK Class was presented to the public in early 2004.

Thanks to technology, the new SLK features the latest advances in safety and comfort as the Bi-Xenon headlights, automatic transmission G-Tronic seven-speed, the heating system AIRSCARF neck, and of course, more space in the suitcase. The new SLK-Class comes in three versions: the four-cylinder SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, SLK 350 with the V6 engine and for the first time in this class, the eight-cylinder model of Mercedes-AMG.

In the center of technology from Mercedes-Benz in Sindelfingen, Frank Knothe has been actively involved in development and testing of roadster models from Mercedes-Benz for the last 38 years. Knothe’s professional career began on December 01, 1966, when the recent graduate of engineering, joined the staff of the company. I was 24 years.

One of his first tasks was to integrate a six-cylinder engine, 2.8 liters in SL models. In developing the new version of this model, also known as model “R 107″, worked with the Head of Development Uhlenhaut Rudolf

After the launch of “R 129″ (SL Class) in 1989, Frank Knothe, and his team assumed responsibility for the development of the SLK class, which with its innovative roof, made a big impression on the public in 1996.

Today he is director of models S, SL and SLK, and therefore is responsible for developing and testing these models. In particular form Knothe driving a 190 SL, 1955.