Mercedes-Benz SL, The

In the 1950s, the Mercedes-Benz company hoped to recapture its pre-WWII racing glory by developing a revolutionary new car. They unveiled the 300 SL at the 1954 New York Auto Show—and an automotive legend was born.

Dependable, beautiful, and blazing fast, the SL became a worldwide sensation. But the story of this landmark vehicle gets even more interesting with the appearance of a New York businessman who believed that the racecar could be transformed into a commercial success. AUTOMOBILES narrates the comprehensive history of this legendary car, including rare footage from the world’s greatest racetracks, interviews with the men who built and drove the 300 SL, and an up-close look at beautifully restored “Gullwings.

Detailed and absorbing, THE MERCEDES-BENZ SL chronicles a unique little roadster that captivated car aficionados throughout the world.