History of Mercedes-Benz 560 SL & SLC
Mercedes has been releasing the SL (Sportlich-Leicht or English: Sport Lightweight) series lineup since 1954. In that year, for the first time, the famous 300 SL was presented. It had his famous doors reminiscent of gull wings. This car for a long time remained in the hearts of motorists and still occupies the best places in world collections.
In 1955 SL 190 came out. It was more stylish, but mechanically inferior to its predecessor. It was the last car of the first generation SL.
The second generation SL began with the SL 230 of 1963 release. It had lower waistline, big curved screens and a distinctive optional hardtop that has received a nickname 'pagoda top'. For nine years of production, the second-generation SL engine has grown from 2.3 liters (230SL) to 2.5 liters (250SL) and finally to 2.8 liters (280SL).
In 1971, the SL of the third generation (R107) was launched, initially with a larger 3.5-liter (350SL) engine connected to an automatic four-speed transmission. The car featured two-door monocoque bodyshell with independent suspension all round-double wishbone and coil springs at the front and semi-trailing arms and coil springs at the rear. The power-assisted steering was the Daimler-Benz's own recirculating ball system. Braking was by discs all round - ventilated on the front.
Next year, the range was added 4.5-liter 450SL and 2.8-liter 280SL. The latter became available in the UK since October 1980 and stayed in until 1985, when in 1985 it was replaced by 300SL.
The 300SL model was powered by a 2962cc straight-six engine that produced 185bhp at 5,700rpm and 188lbft of torque at 4,400 - sufficient output to endow the car with rapid acceleration and a potential top speed of 130mph.
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Characteristics of Classic Cars Mercedes-Benz 560 SL
| Produced: | MY 1986–1989 |
| Engine: | 90° 8-cylinder-V engine (four-stroke), front-mounted |
| Bore x Stroke: | 96.5 mm (3.8 in) x 94.7 mm (3.7 in) |
| Displacement: | 5549 cc |
| Max. Power @ rpm: | 227 hp (169 kW) @ 5200 |
| Max. Torque @ rpm: | 287 lb⋅ft (389 N⋅m) @ 3500 |
| Compression Ratio: | 9.0: 1 |
| Fuel feed: | Bosch fuel injection |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 L (23.8 US gal; 19.8 imp gal), from 1985: 85 L (22.5 US gal; 18.7 imp gal) |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC, 1981-1983: single chain, all others: duplex chain |
| Cooling: | Water |
| Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic, from 1981: 4-speed automatic rear wheel drive |
| Electrical system: | 12 volt |
| Front suspension: | Double wishbones, coil springs, additional rubber springs, stabilising bar |
| Rear suspension: | Diagonal swing axle, coil springs, stabilising bar |
| Brakes: | Disc brakes (Ø 278 mm (10.9 in) front, 279 mm (11.0 in) rear; from 1985: 284/279 mm), power assisted |
| Steering: | Recirculating ball steering |
| Body structure: | Sheet steel, unibody construction |
| Dry weight: | 3,650 lb (1,660 kg) |
| Track front/rear: | 57.6 in (1,463 mm) 57.7 in (1,466 mm) |
| Wheelbase: | SL: 96.9 in (2,461 mm) SLC: 111.0 in (2,819 mm) |
| Length: | 180.3 in (4,580 mm) |
| Width: | 70.5 in (1,791 mm) |
| Height: | SL: 50.8 in (1,290 mm) SLC: 52.4 in (1,331 mm) |
Gallery Mercedes-Benz 560 SL Classic Cars
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1987 Mercedes-Benz SL 560 fast wie ein Jahreswagen, aus 1. Hand
1988 Mercedes-Benz SL 560 scheckheftgepflegt, 2. Hand
