2023-09-24 04:05:00
Development of the R 129 began in the mid-1970s. But at that time, the German manufacturer, absorbed by the development of the W124 and W201 sedans, decided to put the new SL project on hold.
The project will not be relaunched until 1982. The current SL has already been in service for 11 years, we must act quickly. But Mercedes-Benz does not intend to rush the design of this model and will, on the contrary, take its time.
A perfect design?
To put all the chances on its side, Mercedes will entrust the design of its future roadster to designer Bruno Sacco. He is then responsible for the design of the brand. We owe him the W123 sedan, but also the revolutionary Mercedes C111 concept.
The designer’s motto is simple: “A Mercedes should always look like a Mercedes”. In 1984, the design was finalized and a patent was filed on October 2, 1986. Not only was the R129 a real Mercedes, but the design team immediately felt that it had “that little extra thing” that might make it a classic of the brand.
Bruno Sacco, usually very critical of his own work, later declared: “The R129 simply has the perfect profile and it is overall the perfect car of my career”.
Full of technology
To mark Mercedes’ winning return, the new SL must also impose new standards in terms of technology. For the first time, a “Super Leicht” will be equipped with braking assistance, active suspensions, stability control, rain detector and even a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a passenger to activate the airbag.
Solutions that are widely democratized today but which, at the time, did not exist. The seats alone are the subject of around twenty patents, including an integrated seat belt, which automatically adjusts to match the height of the headrest.
A revolutionary hoop
To be a Mercedes worthy of the name, the SL will also have to provide something more in terms of safety. The structure of the SL is made from an alloy that is much more resistant to torsion, but that is not what the public will remember.
When designing a convertible, engineers are always faced with the same dilemma: should we equip the car with an unsightly but effective roll cage? The brand’s engineers will answer the question in the most beautiful way, thanks to hydraulics.
In the event of a risk of rollover, sensors detect a risk of rollover, the hydraulic pressure activates springs and releases the rollbar behind the occupants’ heads, in three tenths of a second. The SL is the first convertible that doesn’t force you to choose between style and safety.
A remarkable presentation
At the 1989 Geneva Motor Show, it was the excitement of the big days on the Mercedes stand. The presentation of the new SL series R129 is on everyone’s lips. From the first press day, journalists from around the world line up to try out the new integrated seat or operate the folding roll bar demonstrated on the stand.
The engines are six, eight and twelve cylinders depending on the 300SL, 500SL or 600SL versions. With its 322 hp, the 500 SL became the most powerful Mercedes of the time and was an immediate success.
The Mercedes SL remains a great classic of the brand. Photo MB
She caused problems for Diana
Among the customers, a certain Diana will stand out, despite herself. The Princess of Wales was then in the midst of media turmoil. Revelations regarding her relationship with Prince Charles make the headlines in the tabloids daily.
At the same time, perhaps tired of the approximate reliability of her English coach, the princess fell for the latest SL. Diana decides to exchange her Jaguar XJS for the latest German 500 SL version.
The newspapers took up the affair, accusing the princess of not defending the British automobile industry, which was then in bad shape. The public gets involved and Diana’s Mercedes becomes a state affair.
Faced with pressure, the Royal Family agreed to drive English cars. The instruction is given to Diana, who must part with her Mercedes. The Princess’s thwarted love story with Mercedes would come to a tragic end a few years later.
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