Few vehicles evoke a lineage of both groundbreaking engineering and refined luxury like the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

The first production super-leicht cars were only slightly altered from the legendary 300 SL racecars which had cemented Mercedes-Benz’s performance image by dominating the 1950s racing circuit.

Stunningly quick and with gorgeous lines, the first SLs were technical triumphs, sporting among the first direct fuel-injection systems and advanced “birdcage” design, which necessitated the first generation’s “gullwing” doors.

It was the introduction of the open-top roadster models, however, that made the SL line the icon it is today.

While stunning in capability, the first closed cars were considered cramped, with the high sills making entering and exiting a chore.

The 300 SL Roadster remedied these issues and, as the years passed, the SL became progressively more luxurious.

The third generation of the SL-Class debuted in 1971 and became one of Mercedes-Benz’s longest-runni...