Car design evolution: Here's a look at how the stunning Mercedes-Benz SL has transformed in six decades

Mercedes-Benz SL (Sport Leicht or Sport Lightweight) range is one of the longest-running sports cars ever built. The car certainly makes a statement with its stunning design and incredible performance. The SL has cemented Mercedes' as a premium car marque.

First launched in 1954 as the generation W121, it sported revolutionary gullwing doors and was created as a grand touring car, specially designed as a 'toned-down' grand prix model aimed at the American market. 

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It is currently sporting some serious power under the bonnet, fitted with n incredible 6.0-litre V12. Its AMG high-performance versions are something special, namely in SL 63 AMG guise. It delivers 430kW and 900Nm from its 5.5-litre V8 bi-turbo engine. 

The latest model which made its way to South Africa was launched in 2016 as a facelift version, still in its sixth generation in the form of the R231 which was launched in 2011. 

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