Mercedes Benz 500SL

The SL line started in 1952 with the 'Gullwing', but even with the launch of the fourth-generation model in 1989, the car remained a comfortable grand tourer with a quick turn of speed. The V8 500SL was the top of the line in 1989 and mixed high-tech with luxury. It used a very strong monocoque structure with MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear allied to electronically controlled shocks which had four different settings, depending on the driver's mood. If the worst happened and the car tipped over, hydraulic rams would spring a roll bar into place in one-third of a second. The power top could fold away in 30 sec, the five-way adjustable seats had the belts mounted on them, and the gearbox had standard or sport mode settings. High-tech continued in the engine, with electronic variable valve timing, which changed depending on load and speed, all the time remaining immensely smooth.

Mercedes Benz 500SL Specifications