Mercedes-Benz Celebrates the SLs 50th Anniversary with a Special Edition

The Edition 50 is the most Exclusive New SL Money Can Buy

At around this time fifty years ago Mercedes-Benz introduced a revolutionary new vehicle that shocked the world, and in so doing changed the way that we envision sports cars.

Across the Atlantic, and far away from its home of Stuttgart, Germany, the three-pointed star brand unveiled the first 300 SL at the New York Motor Show back in late 1954. No other Mercedes-Benz, or for that matter, no other car ever featured mechanical fuel injection, or a tubular space frame chassis, making the 300 SL vastly ahead of its time, while its unique roof-hinged gullwing doors gave it the futuristic look and the body rigidity needed for its ultimate purpose, to win Le Mans.

Fast forward five decades to 2004, and although the vehicle that bears the SL nameplate doesnt feature gullwing doors anymore, or a racing car chassis, it embodies the spirit that the original had more precisely than any SL since. Todays Mercedes-Benz sports car is one of the finest grand touring vehicles on the market, featuring a unique electric folding hardtop, sublime performance and the refinement and luxury the brands customers would expect from a full-size, executive class sports car. Honoring the past fifty years of Mercedes-Benz sports cars, and new for 2005 is the exclusive SL Edition 50.

Setting the SL Edition 50 apart from regular SLs are a series of minor exterior details which speak of the nameplates special occasion. Up front, the grille features matte silver and chrome trim, while in back the integrated rollover hoops have been finished in polished metal. Itll take a close eye to spot the Edition 50 badges hidden within the front fenders air portholes, and keener yet for the tinted taillights and unique 18-inch turbine wheels wrapped in 255/40 rubber up front and 285/35 performance tires in back. Buyers also have the option of selecting from two of the German marques finest body colors, traditional Silver Arrow or more contemporary Designo Brilliant Black.

Although the exterior may be soft-spoken about the SLs fiftieth anniversary, it is on the inside that passengers are reminded of the cars legendary status. No, checked cloth material doesnt cover the seats, but rather glove-soft Nappa leather, in two-toned Condor black with silver Alcantara inserts. The seats stitching can be selected as well, in either matching black or a quartz-colored gray. The headrests feature the Edition 50 logo, the profile of an original 1954 300 SL coupe with "Edition 50" inscribed underneath, surrounded by a champions wreath. To accent the fine seats, the automakers Designo group is offering a choice of two unique accent trim packages including black ash wood or patterned aluminum. Finishing off the unique interior, a tiny plaque located on the ashtrays cover bears a chrome-polished Edition 50 logo.

In addition to these enhancements, Mercedes-Benz has also fitted its top of the line all-in-one audio and navigation system, called COMAND APS. Up to the minute news, or alternatively a variety of the owners favorite tracks can be played in full surround sound through the multi-disc sound system, while vital route-planning software with voice-assistance is at the fingertips, displayed on the vivid TFT display. Other luxuries included in the Edition 50 bundle include specially polished luggage straps, parking sensors, bixenon headlamps, electrically foldable side mirrors, as well as special kick plates and embroidered floor mats.

Two SL Edition 50s will be available for sale shortly, and the only mechanical differentiation between them is whats under the hood. Buyers can opt for the all-new, technically advanced 3.7 liter V6, which recently made its debut in the smaller SLK. Producing 245 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, it delivers ample power for Europeans wanting to experience a more authentic feeling SL - an inline-6 was the only power source for years until a V8 was added in the models fourth generation with the advent of the 380 SL. Power get to the rear wheels via a quick shifting yet creamy-smooth five-speed automatic gearbox. The SL 350 Edition 50 will carry a price tag of E91,814 (the equivalent of $114,900 USD). As would be expected the 3.7-liter V6 wont be coming to North American for use in the SL at least.

When buying premium cars North Americans demand a great deal more power to go along with their relatively cheap gasoline than a V6 can deliver, therefore Mercedes-Benz will offer the Edition 50 package with the SL500. The brands 5.0-liter V8 bumps output up to 306 horsepower (302 in North America) and a muscular 339 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to sprint to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

The SL 500 Edition 50 features all the goodies listed above as well as Mercedes-Benzs latest technological masterpiece, the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic Touchshift gearbox, proven to reduce acceleration times as well as fuel consumption.

Pricing for this exclusive luxury roadster begins at E109,156 (the equivalent of $136,600 USD) - no official prices have yet to be announced for the U.S. Mercedes intends on producing 500 copies of the Edition 50, all left hand drive. Contact your local dealer for sales information.