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Mercedes-Benz SL and SLC: Books - History and Models

Looking for a book on Mercedes-Benz SL or SLC sports cars? Discover here the best illustrated books on the history, types and construction of Mercedes-Benz sports cars.

Factory-Original Mercedes SL - The Originality Guide to Mercedes-Benz SL Models, 1963-2003

Mercedes-Benz launched the first of a new family of sports cars, the W113 230SL 'Pagoda' model in 1963. It was followed by 250SL and 280SL versions. These cars brought together all the lessons learned from the 190SL and 300SL to deliver a range of civilised, quick and stylish machines - cars to be seen in as well as to enjoy driving.

The Pagoda SLs gave way to the R107 range of SLs, introduced in 1971 and in production for 18 years. The range also spawned the longer-wheelbase fixed-head SLC models, the C107s, considered by some to be even better-looking than their SL sports car cousins.

R107s were replaced by R129s in 1989. These were sleeker than their predecessors, which had earned the nickname 'Panzerwagen' in the factory, and the engine range was even broader than before, over time extending from a 2.8-litre 'six' to a magnificent 6-litre V12.
Uprated AMG versions - also dealt with in this book - were offered too, and the R129s finally left production in 2003. Designed and built to the company's customary standards of engineering excellence, these SLs are amongst the most desirable sports cars of our times.

All variants of all these ranges, from W113 to R129, are examined in minute detail in this book. Model by model, with over 350 specially commissioned colour photographs, it gives all the details of correct factory specifications and equipment, including body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim and trim colours, dashboard, instruments, switches and controls, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, suspension, steering and brakes, wheels and tyres, lighting and electrical equipment, factory options, and all other features right down to the tool kit, from the beginning of production to the end.

For those interested in acquiring one of these SLs, or for owners wanting to preserve their cars in original condition or to restore them to their former glory, all this detailed information is vital.

Product details

Author:James Taylor
Details:176 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.79 in (26 x 26 x 2 cm), hardback
Illustrations:over 350 color photos
Publisher:Herridge & Sons Ltd (GB, 2012)
Series:Factory-Original
ISBN:9781906133436
Cover of the book: Factory-Original Mercedes SL - The Originality Guide to Mercedes-Benz SL Models, 1963-2003 | Factory-Original

Factory-Original Mercedes SL - The Originality Guide to Mercedes-Benz SL Models, 1963-2003

Language: English

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Mercedes-Benz Sport-Light Coupe - The Complete Story

This first volume of the Mercedes-Benz Coupe book addresses the journey from what was a functional sports car design to what has become the incomparable Mercedes-Benz 'Sports Coupe'; its timeless body design has remained, even today both a dream car and a dream Coupe to anyone whom aspires to follow in the footsteps of the early individualists who chose style and elegance over practicality.

With over 300 photographs and illustrations, this book includes: an overview of the early days of 'Sports-Car' design; the influences of aerodynamics on design evolution; early protagonists at Daimler-Benz and how they influenced design of the Coupe shape; how the Racing Coupe influenced what became the production Sport Coupe; the experimental and one-off prototypes, and finally the continuation of the Super Sport Light concept through the 'S-Class' range.

Product details

Author:Nik Greene
Details:208 pages, 10.4 x 8.9 x 0.75 in (26.5 x 22.5 x 1.9 cm), hardback
Illustrations:300+ b&w and color photos
Publisher:The Crowood Press Ltd (GB, 2021)
Series:The Complete Story
ISBN:9781785008221
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz Sport-Light Coupe - The Complete Story | The Complete Story

Mercedes-Benz Sport-Light Coupe - The Complete Story

Language: English

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Mercedes-Benz SL Series: Recognition and Fact Guide - Recognition & Fact Guide

The Mercedes-Benz SL designation was first applied to the 300SL ''Gullwing'' with upward-opening doors in 1954, then onto other light and sporty models through current times.
This book covers each model in depth, a year-by-year photo and information guide to each model in the 55-plus years of its existence. It includes the more modern SLK, SLS models, the numerous engine configurations spanning five design generations, and loaded with detail shots, production figures, design features, information on suspensions, brakes, transmissions, wheels, prices and options, and codes for paint, body, molding and trim - just for starters.

Product details

Author:Peter C. Sessler
Details:128 pages, 9.1 x 8.1 x 0.39 in (23 x 20.5 x 1 cm), paperback
Illustrations:220 b&w photos
Publisher:Iconografix (USA, 2011)
ISBN:9781583882832
Cover of the book: Mercedes-Benz SL Series: Recognition and Fact Guide - Recognition & Fact Guide

Mercedes-Benz SL Series: Recognition and Fact Guide - Recognition & Fact Guide

Language: English

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Das Original: Mercedes SL - 300 SL, 190 SL, 230/250/280 SL (1954-1971)

The reference guide for all owners of a Mercedes-Benz SL. All series models from 1954 to 1971 are described in words and pictures.
In addition to meticulously researched texts about the Mercedes SL, the book also contains over 200 glossy photos of the cars.

Product details

Author:Laurence Meredith
Details:112 pages, 11.8 x 9.1 in (30 x 23 cm), hardback
Illustrations:200 color photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2016)
ISBN:9783958433069
Cover of the book: Das Original: Mercedes SL - 300 SL, 190 SL, 230/250/280 SL (1954-1971)

Das Original: Mercedes SL - 300 SL, 190 SL, 230/250/280 SL (1954-1971)

Language: German

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Faszination Mercedes-Benz SL: Evolution eines Klassikers

What began six decades ago with the forefather W 194 was not just the lineage of the SL. At the same time, the foundations were also laid for the entire Mercedes-Benz sports car family, which today is more differentiated than ever before with the SL, the SLK and the SLS AMG.
Over the years, unique and legendary sports cars have been created whose irresistible design, outstanding technology and almost unlimited driving pleasure have generated the aura that has elevated them all to the rank of classics.

Pages of the book Faszination Mercedesbenz SL (1)

The extensively illustrated model series monograph by Mercedes expert Hartmut Lehbrink uniquely covers the entire range from the first consistently streamlined 300 SL of 1952 to the bestseller R 107 and the automotive icon R 129 to the ultra-modern R 231.
A perfect reading and reference work for all SL enthusiasts, in which the SLS and SLK models are of course also given a detailed account.

Product details

Author:Hartmut Lehbrink
Details:192 pages, 11.6 x 9.7 x 0.71 in (29.5 x 24.5 x 1.8 cm), hardback
Illustrations:270 b&w and color photos
Publisher:Heel-Verlag GmbH (D, 2012)
ISBN:9783868526028
Cover of the book: Faszination Mercedes-Benz SL: Evolution eines Klassikers

Faszination Mercedes-Benz SL: Evolution eines Klassikers

Language: German

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