1990 Mercedes-Benz 500SL Coupe Roadster

Exclusivity of a vehicle is often guaranteed by its original price tag and practicality. For the 500SL Coupe/Roadster, which had seating for two passengers, it carried an MSRP of over $83,000 which put it out of reach for most consumers. It had a dual overhead cam V8 engine offering 322 horsepower and 330 lbs-ft of torque. It had a front engine, rear-wheel drive configuration and rested on a short, 99 inch wheelbase platform. In the front of the grille was the Mercedes-Benz tristar emblem and a modern and angular appearance. Located ahead of the doors were small air extractor vents which were a 'nod' to the original 300SL gullwing coupe. In the front were flush-style headlamps with wraparound parking lights. Each roadster came with both a folding top and removable aluminum hardtop.

The only transmission available was the four-speed automatic. Both the driver and passenger had airbags for added safety.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2014