Customer Reviews

Mercedes-Benz SL & SLC: 1952-1986 (Osprey Expert Histories)

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It says it right on the cover: "Osprey Expert Histories." And that's what this is. There's great info on the history of these cars, with insights on how they evolved technically and stylistically, and how their marketing changed over the years. The typeface is a little on the large side, but that just means there are more pages to print photos on: Virtually every page has at least one. I would say this book is a good value.

Note that this is not a buyer's guide; there are no side-by-side charts of features and horsepower and units sold, and no commentary on what to look out for.

Also note that its coverage is limited to the pagoda (1960s) and W107 cars (70s-80s). There are a couple of pages on the early 300SL, and none on the new (post-W107) styles of SL/SLK.

The book is well written, and covers the subject matter well enough. However, the book focuses almost exclusively on UK and European model cars. Only a few pages and two pictures are on U.S. domestic models. (Both pictures commented on how certain aspects of the American versions made them unattractive!) Since the technical specifications, performance, options, and even trim packages on the U.S. Federal models are generally different from the U.K. and European models, the book is not all that useful for us Yankees. Most of the book is black and white, with a few color pages.

The book is a good value though. So if you own a Non-Fedral model ("grey market" in the U.S.), or are running out of books to buy on SL's, it is worth buying.

The coverage here is of the 230sl through later 107 cars. Very little is included on the original 300SL, subsequent roadster and 190SL but these are better covered in texts devoted to this period in MB history. The reviewed and photographically documented cars are higher performance european models without the bastardized DOT additions such as cheapo sidemarkers, funky looking bumpers, and performance robbing and ineffective emission controls. The majority of model changes and options available are clearly called out. There are also a few shots of proper SL interiors the way the Mercedes designers intended them. This book would be helpful to readers trying to decide on which model Sl they might seek to purchase as well as those deciding the path they want to take in a proper restoration of their vehicle.