Mercedes Sl 300SL W194

March 12, 1952 heralded an event of great signifi cance for Daimler Benz, the extent of which even those involved could not have imagined, The world's oldest car manufacturer presented its first post war sports car on a section of the then seldom traveled Stuttgart - Heilbronn motorway. The 300 SL, internally referred to as W 194, proved an impressive figure with its streamlined bodywork ín classic silver. Its unusual gullwing doors, initially only stretching to the lower edge of the side windows, gave it an almost futuristic appearance. It conveyed almost tanA gibly the message that it was a winner, a car to cause a sensation. The German motor journal “Auto Motor und Sport” appeared with the headline: “Mercedes-Benz is back”. All the same, on March 12, 1952, hardly anyone could have predicted that right from the start, the 300 SL, developed with limited means from existing components, would be writing its own unique success story. Even less predictable was the triumphant progress which began with the production version two years later, a success which continued with every new SL generation, running like a thread through Mercedes-Benz model development and reaching its peak to date as regards design, safety and sporty image with the current SL-Class. Throughout this book you will learn how it all began, how two modest letters transformed themselves into a legend in less than a year to enter its sixth decade now. I wish you every enjoyment with this book. Der 12. Màtz 1952 stand fur Daimler Benz im Zei chen eines Ereignisses, dessen Tragweite keiner der Beteilgten auch nur hätte ahnen können. Auf einem Teilstuck der damais wenig befahrenen Autobahn Stuttgart-Heilbronn präsentierte der älteste Automobilhersteller der Welt seinen ersten Rennsportwagen der Nachkriegszeit.…