SL-Class

2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance SL Roadster Tribute

Words Jim Davis | August 13, 2012
See the exquisitely restored 1930 Mercedes-Benz 27/140/200 Type SS, originally commissioned by a Maharaja among others
Words Jim Davis August 13, 2012

Mercedes-Benz SL Roadsters will be paid tribute at this weekend’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, beginning with three 1952 W194 vehicles along with a mixture of vintage and new vehicles bearing the Mercedes Star.

The legendary SL, over the past six decades, continues to be one of most iconic vehicles among car collectors and six significant variations from the 1950’s will be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge located on third fairway at the Lodge at Pebble Beach.  These vintage SL treasures will be placed next to the 2013 SL63 AMG, contrasting the technical innovations from sixty years ago with today’s advanced roadster that embodies the “Super Light” namesake with its new aluminum body.  In addition to honoring the SL anniversary at the Star Lounge, new and vintage SL Roadsters will lead the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex on August 16, 2012.

The SL63 AMG will also be on display next to the SLS AMG Coupe and the C63 AMG Black Series – a collection of cars that represent the high performance, style and dynamic driving excitement that are core characteristics of the AMG brand.  The grouping of exclusive AMG cars signify the performance brand’s 45th anniversary and the growth of its model range, which is now larger and more diverse than ever before, and tailored to exceed the unique wishes of passionate AMG customers. In the U.S., the MY2013 range will include 17 AMG high-performance vehicles with power outputs ranging from 415hp to 621 hp. The selection of models available includes coupes, sedans, SUVs, roadsters as well as the SLS GT AMG super sports car.  Mercedes-AMG will provide exclusive test drives and display for the 2013 SL63 AMG at the Quail Motorsports Gathering on August 16th and 17th.

Those car enthusiasts imagining what the future holds for Mercedes-Benz can view the Concept Style Coupé, a 4-door coupe that is expressive and powerful in its design.  Technical highlights include striking headlamps featuring innovative indicators, a new four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine with 211 hp and 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.  Overall, the Concept Style Coupé is a rebel with its sporty breathtaking proportions and aggressive stance that are unique in many ways to give this coupé its unmistakable look.  Throughout Pebble Beach weekend, the Concept Style Coupé will be on display at the Mercedes-Benz Star Lounge.

In addition to the popular auctions including RM and Gooding & Company that serve as an avenue for collectors to secure rolling gems, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center will showcase a number of cars for sale at the Star Lounge throughout the weekend including a 1936 540K Cabriolet B.   In addition, further celebrating 60 years of the Mercedes-Benz SL, several vintage SL models are up for sale ranging from two 1955 300SL Coupes to several classics restored by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, CA – a 1963 190SL, a 1968 280SL and a 1969 280SL. By offering customers hard to find parts or meticulous repair and restorations to the prime condition of factory standards of originality and preservation, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center continues to be in a unique position within the auto industry.

Several significant vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection in Stuttgart, Germany will share the field on the famed Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance 18th Fairway on Sunday, August 19, 2012, including an exquisitely restored 1930 Mercedes-Benz 27/140/200 Type SS which was originally commissioned by a Maharaja and an 1885 Daimler Reitwagen, the world’s first actual motorcycle.

Beyond the cars themselves which often steal the show, one event that rises above is the annual exclusive Mercedes-Benz gala dinner at the Beach Club, which will honor car collector Mr. Arturo Keller with its coveted Star Driver Award.  Past recipients include Jesse Alexander, Keith Crain, John Fitch, Denise McCluggage, Jochen Mass, Sir Stirling Moss and Roger Penske.

View the photo gallery below for a mixture of Best of Show, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and some of our random favorites.

Events:

  • Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance
    Sun, August 19, 2012
  • Pebble Beach Tour D’Elegance
    Presented By Rolex
    Thu, August 16, 201
  • Pebble Beach RetroAuto
    Fri, August 17 – Sun, August 19, 2012
  • Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) Exhibition
    Sun, August 19, 2012