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2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 50th Anniversary Special Edition Preview

The Edition 50 is the most Exclusive New SL Money Can Buy

At around this time fifty years ago Mercedes-Benz introduced a revolutionary new vehicle that shocked the world, and in so doing changed the way that we envision sports cars.

Across the Atlantic, and far away from its home of Stuttgart, Germany, the three-pointed star brand unveiled the first 300 SL at the New York Motor Show back in late 1954. No other Mercedes-Benz, or for that matter, no other car ever featured mechanical fuel injection, or a tubular space frame chassis, making the 300 SL vastly ahead of its time, while its unique roof-hinged gullwing doors gave it the futuristic look and the body rigidity needed for its ultimate purpose, to win

It may not have gullwing doors, but the latest generation SL is a remarkable feat of engineering technology nevertheless. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

Le Mans.

Fast forward five decades to 2004, and although the vehicle that bears the SL nameplate doesnt feature gullwing doors anymore, or a racing car chassis, it embodies the spirit that the original had more precisely than any SL since. Todays Mercedes-Benz sports car is one of the finest grand touring vehicles on the market, featuring a unique electric folding hardtop, sublime performance and the refinement and luxury

The tiny Edition 50 badge is very discreet. Keep your eyes peeled for details like tinted taillights and SLR-like turbine wheels. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

the brands customers would expect from a full-size, executive class sports car. Honoring the past fifty years of Mercedes-Benz sports cars, and new for 2005 is the exclusive SL Edition 50.

Setting the SL Edition 50 apart from regular SLs are a series of minor exterior details which speak of the nameplates special occasion. Up front, the grille features matte silver and chrome trim, while in back the integrated rollover hoops have been finished in polished metal. Itll take a close eye to spot the Edition 50 badges hidden within the

Mercedes-Benzs finest materials have been selected for use in the SL Edition 50, including Alcantara seat inserts, ash wood or aluminum trim, and Nappa leather. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

front fenders air portholes, and keener yet for the tinted taillights and unique 18-inch turbine wheels wrapped in 255/40 rubber up front and 285/35 performance tires in back. Buyers also have the option of selecting from two of the German marques finest body colors, traditional Silver Arrow or more contemporary Designo Brilliant Black.

Although the exterior may be soft-spoken about the SLs fiftieth anniversary, it is on the inside that passengers are reminded of the cars legendary status. No, checked cloth material doesnt cover the seats, but rather glove-soft Nappa leather, in two-toned Condor black with silver Alcantara inserts. The seats stitching can be selected

The Edition 50 is a reminder of a time when Mercedes-Benz ruled the racetrack and the streets with the formidable 300 SL coupe. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

as well, in either matching black or a quartz-colored gray. The headrests feature the Edition 50 logo, the profile of an original 1954 300 SL coupe with "Edition 50" inscribed underneath, surrounded by a champions wreath. To accent the fine seats, the automakers Designo group is offering a choice of two unique accent trim packages including black ash wood or patterned aluminum. Finishing off the unique interior, a tiny plaque located on the ashtrays cover bears a chrome-polished Edition 50 logo.

In addition to these enhancements, Mercedes-Benz has also fitted its top of the line all-in-one audio and navigation system, called COMAND APS. Up to the minute news, or alternatively a variety of the owners favorite tracks can be played in full surround sound through the multi-disc sound system, while vital route-planning software

The Edition 50 is exclusive, with only 500 copies being offered. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz U.S.A.)

with voice-assistance is at the fingertips, displayed on the vivid TFT display. Other luxuries included in the Edition 50 bundle include specially polished luggage straps, parking sensors, bixenon headlamps, electrically foldable side mirrors, as well as special kick plates and embroidered floor mats.

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